External Supply Operations, Sr. Manager, US

External Supply Operations, Sr. Manager, US

The salary range for this position is between $145k and $170k. 

Actual salary at the time of hire may vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s relevant qualifications, skills, and experience. The company also currently offers a Long-Term Incentive Plan (cash plan) of 20% base salary, annual performance bonus target of 20% base salary (subject to meeting plan requirements) and comprehensive health benefits (employer funded), unlimited vacation time and 401k plan (subject to change or modification from time to time).

POSITION SUMMARY

As part of the Global External Supply Operations department, the External Supply Operations Senior Manager is responsible for the operational oversight and strategic management of a designated portfolio of External Suppliers and/or Contract Manufacturers. This role ensures the safe, efficient, and reliable supply of pharmaceutical products to patients worldwide.

The Senior Manager serves as the primary point of contact for assigned external partners, fostering collaborative relationships to drive performance, compliance, and continuous improvement. This includes managing day-to-day operations, resolving supply issues, and aligning supplier capabilities with company objectives. The role also contributes to strategic initiatives such as risk mitigation, capacity planning, and supply chain optimization.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee the day-to-day operations and strategic relationship of a designated portfolio of External Suppliers and/or Contract Manufacturers to ensure consistent, high-quality product supply.
• Lead the internal Virtual Site Operations Team (VSOT), fostering effective collaboration across key functions including Supply Chain, External Supplier Quality (ESQ), Procurement, Controlling, Manufacturing Science & Innovation (MSI), and others.
• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with External Suppliers to drive performance, alignment, and continuous improvement.
• Define and manage appropriate internal and external governance structures, ensuring regular engagement and accountability across stakeholders and suppliers.
• Identify, assess, and communicate risks that may impact supply continuity, quality, or compliance. Lead mitigation efforts in partnership with the VSOT and escalate critical issues to senior leadership as needed.
• Lead resolution of supply disruptions and quality concerns, coordinating cross-functional responses and ensuring timely escalation and communication.
• Contribute to the ESO budgeting process and monitor the financial health of the supplier portfolio, ensuring cost-effective operations and adherence to financial targets.

QUALIFICATIONS, CAREER EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

A combination of relevant education and applicable job experience will be considered.

• Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Economics, Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related field; equivalent professional experience may be considered. Advanced degree (e.g., MBA, MS) is a plus.
  • Solid understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and regulatory requirements within the pharmaceutical sector.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills; able to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels, both internally and externally. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred for effective communication with global partners and suppliers.
• Career Experience
  • 5-10 Years of relevant experience in Supply Chain, Manufacturing Operations, or Procurement, preferably within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, OTC, FMCG, or related regulated industries.
  • Demonstrated experience in project management and leading cross-functional collaboration across diverse teams and functions. 

• Business Acumen
  • Strong Customer Orientation, building and maintaining strong relationships.
  • Working knowledge of financial principles, including budgeting, cost control, and business case development.
  • Skilled in analyzing complex data, identifying root causes, and implementing effective solutions to operational challenges.
  • Adept at negotiating with external partners, influencing cross-functional teams, and navigating sensitive discussions with professionalism and tact.

ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE

• Demonstrates the highest level of ethics, integrity, trust while acting with courage and candor.
• High accountability for your actions and results and ability to ensure a high level of commitment to the success of the organization, your peers and customers.
• Operates in compliance with all applicable regulations and professional standards at all times.

TRAVEL

• The ability to travel up to 25%, including overnights as dictated by business need and attend all company sponsored events/meetings/conferences.

VALUES & BEHAVIORS

• Live Entrepreneurship: Plan for long-term growth and build a future business predicated on innovation.
• Patient Centric: Deliver innovation for patients and challenge each other to improve patient outcomes.
• Join Forces: Seek diverse input, collaborate across all functions, and leverage resources from global partners.
• Act with Integrity: Apply ethical standards, encourage transparency, and embrace diversity and inclusivity.
• Drive Performance: Create an atmosphere that nurtures teamwork in order to enable high performance and sustainable growth.