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- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and vendor management for clinical development projects.
- Company: Join a dynamic organisation focused on innovative clinical trial operations.
- Benefits: Enjoy a strategic leadership role with exposure to global operations and high-impact portfolios.
- Other info: Ideal for those with strong project management and negotiation skills.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in clinical research while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s or Master’s in life sciences or business; 8 years in clinical development preferred.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
**Job Summary**
The Manager is responsible for leading strategic sourcing and vendor management activities across the clinical development portfolio. This individual will serve as a critical interface between clinical operations, procurement, legal, and external partners to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of clinical programs. The ideal candidate brings strong sourcing expertise, clinical trial knowledge, and cross-functional leadership to support global development efforts.
Sponsor dedicated , contract role , 1 FTE.
**Key Responsibilities**
– Develop and implement sourcing strategies for clinical research services across therapeutic areas and trial phases
– Lead vendor selection, contract negotiations, and governance processes for CROs, laboratories, and other external providers
– Manage preferred supplier relationships, performance metrics, and issue resolution to ensure delivery excellence
– Collaborate cross-functionally with clinical operations, procurement, legal, finance, and quality teams
– Analyze sourcing data to identify cost-saving opportunities and recommend optimization strategies
– Ensure compliance with internal policies, legal requirements, and global regulatory standards (GCP, ICH)
– Contribute to portfolio planning, budget forecasting, and risk management efforts
**Qualifications**
– Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in life sciences, business, or related field; MBA or advanced sourcing certification preferred
– Minimum of 8 years’ experience in clinical development sourcing or clinical operations in a global setting
– Strong knowledge of CRO/vendor landscape and clinical trial outsourcing models
– Proven experience in contract management, negotiations, and supplier governance
– Exceptional project management, leadership, and interpersonal skills
**Preferred Skills**
– Familiarity with eProcurement systems and vendor management platforms
– Ability to drive process improvements and cross-functional initiatives
– Strong analytical thinking and business acumen
– Experience supporting RFPs, MSAs, and risk-based sourcing strategies
**What We Offer**
– Strategic leadership opportunity in a dynamic, innovative organization
– Exposure to global clinical trial operations and high-impact portfolios
Vendor Manager employer: KPS Life
Contact Detail:
KPS Life Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Vendor Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the clinical development and vendor management fields. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and best practices.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific eProcurement systems and vendor management platforms mentioned in the job description. Having hands-on experience or knowledge of these tools can set you apart during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in contract negotiations and supplier governance. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed vendor relationships and resolved issues in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on global regulatory standards such as GCP and ICH. Understanding these regulations will not only help you in the role but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and quality in clinical operations.
We think you need these skills to ace Vendor Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in clinical development sourcing and vendor management. Emphasise your leadership skills and any specific projects that demonstrate your ability to manage cross-functional teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are the ideal candidate for the Vendor Manager role. Discuss your experience with contract negotiations and vendor relationships, and how these align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your educational background and any certifications related to sourcing or clinical operations. If you have an MBA or advanced sourcing certification, make sure to mention it prominently.
Showcase Analytical Skills: Provide examples of how you've used data analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities in previous roles. This will demonstrate your analytical thinking and business acumen, which are crucial for this position.
How to prepare for a job interview at KPS Life
✨Showcase Your Sourcing Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience in developing and implementing sourcing strategies. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully led vendor selection and contract negotiations, as this will demonstrate your capability in managing the vendor landscape.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since the role requires collaboration with various teams, share instances where you've worked effectively with clinical operations, procurement, legal, and finance. This will show your ability to navigate complex organisational structures and drive results.
✨Highlight Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss how you've used data analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities in previous roles. Providing concrete examples of how your analytical thinking has led to successful optimisation strategies will set you apart.
✨Understand Compliance and Regulatory Standards
Familiarise yourself with GCP and ICH guidelines, as well as internal policies related to vendor management. Being able to articulate your understanding of these standards during the interview will demonstrate your readiness to ensure compliance in the role.