Vendor Strategy Director – Project Director

Parexel

. Lead end-to-end supplier and vendor strategy activities across clinical development programs .

Posted 10/22/2026full-timeRemote • United Kingdom, Ireland, SpainLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading supplier and vendor strategy activities within clinical development, ensuring alignment with program objectives and managing supplier performance. Proficient in navigating complex environments while driving operational improvements and maintaining effective partnerships across diverse stakeholder groups.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Clinical Trial MethodologyVendor Strategy ManagementSupplier Risk AssessmentGCP ComplianceStrategic Partnership Development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Clinical Development ProcessesTrial ManagementTrial Monitoring ActivitiesQuality Standards KnowledgeRegulatory Standards Knowledge

Soft Skills

Strong CommunicationOrganizational SkillsLeadership SkillsProblem-Solving SkillsStrategic Thinking

Industry Keywords

Clinical OperationsOutsourced Clinical Trial ActivitiesInspection ReadinessAudit PreparationCross-Functional Collaboration

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Google Cloud Platform

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead end-to-end supplier and vendor strategy activities across clinical development programs
Define and align program-level vendor strategies with Clinical Operational Program Heads, Portfolio Innovation Directors, Procurement, and alliance stakeholders
Manage and oversee supplier performance against program objectives and strategic priorities
Identify, assess, and manage supplier risks, quality concerns, and contract-related issues
Drive continuous improvement initiatives and vendor-related productivity objectives
Translate future portfolio and program demand into vendor service requirements
Identify, qualify, and engage suppliers supporting evolving program needs
Enable early supplier engagement during protocol development and feasibility activities
Serve as primary point of contact and escalation for program-level vendor strategy and operational challenges
Support inspection readiness and audit-related activities across programs
Provide operational and functional support to Trial Vendor Managers and Vendor Start-up Managers
Collaborate with global stakeholders to leverage innovative vendor solutions that enhance clinical trial execution and delivery

Requirements

What you’ll need

Advanced degree in science or business, or equivalent relevant experience
10+ years of relevant industry experience, including leadership within clinical operations and management of outsourced clinical trial activities at both operational and strategic levels
Strong understanding of clinical trial methodology, GCP, medical terminology, and clinical development processes
Experience with supplier services supporting clinical development programs and a strong understanding of trial management and trial monitoring activities
Knowledge of quality and regulatory standards relevant to clinical research and outsourced service delivery
Demonstrated success developing and managing strategic internal and external partnerships
Strong communication, organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills
Fluent written and spoken English
Strengths in strategic thinking, business partnership, relationship building, and influencing across complex matrix organizations
Experience leading vendor strategy, outsourced clinical trial activities, and cross-functional clinical operations initiatives
Ability to build and maintain effective external partnerships and internal stakeholder relationships
Ability to navigate complex environments while balancing quality, timelines, innovation, and business priorities
Preferred: experience partnering with global, cross-functional clinical development organizations
Preferred: demonstrated executive leadership and strategic vendor management experience
Preferred: experience driving productivity initiatives and operational improvements across clinical programs
Preferred: experience supporting inspection readiness, audit preparation, and quality-focused supplier management
Preferred: track record of enabling successful international collaboration across diverse stakeholder groups

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health, Vision & Dental Insurance
Vacation/Holiday/Sick Time
Flexible benefit portal
Car or car allowance (only applicable roles)
Flexibility, growth, and space to do their best work