Manager, Strategic Sourcing & Vendor Management (Non/Pre-Clinical)

Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: CNTA) new kind of pharmaceutical company with a deconstructed R&D environment that prioritizes data driven decision making led by subject matter experts. Centessa is advancing a portfolio of high conviction programs with strong biological validation.

Our asset-centric model offers a unique R&D logic that has been applied by single asset companies to improve productivity. This operating model has minimal centralized infrastructure, reduced hierarchy, and exclusive focus on data driven capital allocation. Our teams are uniquely incentivized to expeditiously interrogate key scientific hypotheses. We believe the asset-centric model can lead to improved success rates for programs with greater speed and modest costs.

Description of Role

The Manager of Strategic Sourcing & Vendor Management, who will report to the Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing & Vendor Management, will be responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies to support early-stage research activities, including Discovery, DMPK (Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics), Toxicology and other areas assigned as necessary. This role will partner closely with scientific and operational stakeholders, including legal, finance and quality to ensure timely and cost-effective access to external capabilities, CROs, and suppliers that align with Centessa's scientific and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Category Management

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for preclinical categories including in vivo/in vitro studies, bioanalytical services, toxicology testing, and compound management.
• Lead supplier selection, negotiation, and contracting processes for Discovery, DMPK, and Toxicology services.
• Maintain category knowledge and market intelligence to identify emerging capabilities and cost-saving opportunities.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with scientific and operational teams to understand project needs and translate them into sourcing strategies.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to all stakeholders, ensuring alignment between procurement and scientific/operational goals and objectives.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Establish and manage relationships with key CROs and vendors.
• Monitor supplier performance and compliance with finance, legal, quality, and regulatory.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation through supplier partnerships.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure timely execution of contracts and purchase orders.
• Support budgeting and forecasting for all preclinical outsourcing activities.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation.

Risk & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to internal policies, legal requirements, and industry regulations.
• Mitigate risks related to supplier reliability, data integrity, and animal welfare.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Business, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in sourcing/procurement within the pharmaceutical or biotech industry, with a focus and emphasis on preclinical R&D and non-clinical.
• Strong understanding of Discovery, DMPK, and Toxicology workflows and vendor landscape.
• Proven negotiation and contract management skills.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and analytical abilities.
• Experience with contract lifecycle management systems.
• Familiarity with GLP/GCP regulations and animal welfare standards.
• Experience supporting early-stage drug development programs.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.

Compensation

The annual base salary range for the Manager, Strategic Sourcing & Vendor Management (non-clinical) position is $120,000 - $157,000.

Individual compensation within these ranges will be determined based on a variety of factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and job knowledge. In addition to base pay, this role is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus and participation in our equity program, allowing you to share in Centessa's long-term success. Centessa also offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a 401(k) plan, company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, generous paid time off, and a health and wellness program.

Work Location

The Manager of Strategic Sourcing & Vendor Management role is a remote role based in the US, with occasional travel to our headquarters in Boston and CROs (as appropriate).

POSITION: Full-Time, Exempt

EEOC Statement: Centessa Pharmaceuticals believes in a diverse environment and is committed to equal employment opportunity for all its employees and qualified applicants. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Centessa Pharmaceuticals will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Please note: We will not assign referral rights for any unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies.