Element Biosciences
Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager
Element Biosciences, San Diego, California, United States, 92189
At Element Biosciences, we are passionate about our mission to empower the scientific community with more freedom and flexibility to accelerate our collective impact on humanity.
We have built a highly efficient product-driven organization where employees can learn, grow, and thrive in a challenging but encouraging environment. We are committed to scientific integrity, collegiality, honesty, objectivity, and openness.
Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager Lead the development and execution of sourcing strategies for critical materials, components, and services across the product lifecycle—from development through commercialization. This influential role is responsible for shaping supplier ecosystems, driving cross-functional alignment, mitigating risk, and enabling cost, quality, and delivery performance at scale. You will work cross-functionally with R&D, Process Engineering, Quality, and Operations to ensure supplier capabilities align with technical and business requirements. The ideal candidate has strong experience sourcing for innovative products, possesses analytical sourcing skills, and is experienced in regulated industries such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, or medical devices.
Essential Functions And Responsibilities
Lead sourcing strategy of complex commodities supporting next-generation sequencing platforms and associated consumables through early phase development and commercialization scale-up
Partner with R&D and Operations to drive supplier selection for direct and indirect materials, contract manufacturing, and services, during both New Production Introduction (NPI) and sustaining phases
Architect and execute multi-year sourcing strategies aligned with the technology roadmap, focused on cost efficiency, manufacturability, quality, supply assurance, and proactive risk mitigations
Translate engineering & R&D requirements into sourcing criteria
Lead complex negotiations to secure competitive pricing, long-term agreements, strategic partnerships, and supply continuity for high-value commodities
Partner with Quality to ensure supplier compliance with relevant standards such as ISO 13485
Develop and manage supplier performance metrics; manage scorecards and implement corrective actions
Enhance supply chain resilience through alternate-source development, dual/triple sourcing strategies, and geopolitical/tariff risk evaluations
Ensure rigorous documentation management, sourcing governance, and alignment between BOMs, supplier data, and ERP systems
Utilize market intelligence, benchmarking, and cost modeling to manage cost-of-goods-sold (COGS) targets across product lifecycle stages, supply risks, cost drivers, make‑vs‑buy decisions, and dual sourcing strategies
Lead semi-annual business reviews with strategic suppliers to evaluate performance and strengthen partnerships
Deliver clear, data-driven communications to internal stakeholders, highlighting sourcing strategy progress, risk assessments, and financial impact
Education And Experience
Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline
10‑15+ years of experience in life sciences strategic sourcing, procurement engineering, supplier development, or technical supply chain roles
Strong command of end‑to‑end supply chain principles and best practices
Deep knowledge of product development lifecycles, Bill of Materials (BOM) structures, and supplier qualification processes
Demonstrated expertise in contract negotiation and supplier relationship management
Hands‑on experience with ERP systems such as NetSuite, SAP, or Oracle
Proficient in data analysis and reporting tools, including Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
Highly detail-oriented, well‑organized, and analytical with strong problem‑solving skills
Skilled in making data‑driven decisions with a strong analytical mindset
Proven ability to succeed in fast‑paced environment with rapidly shifting priorities and ambiguous requirements
Effective communicator with the ability to influence and collaborate across departments
Willing and able to challenge assumptions and offer objective, unbiased perspectives
Physical Requirements
Must be able to lift 15 pounds
Location
San Diego, CA (on‑site daily)
Travel
Travel required might be up to 10% (supplier visits)
Job Type
Full‑time
Base Compensation Pay Range
$135,000 - $175,000
In addition to base compensation noted above, you will be eligible for stock options, discretionary annual bonus, no cost health insurance plans, 401(k) with company match, and flexible paid time off.
Please note: Base compensation will depend on multiple factors, including geographic location, qualifications, and experience.
We foster an environment such that all people are afforded the freedom to pursue their passions without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.
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We have built a highly efficient product-driven organization where employees can learn, grow, and thrive in a challenging but encouraging environment. We are committed to scientific integrity, collegiality, honesty, objectivity, and openness.
Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager Lead the development and execution of sourcing strategies for critical materials, components, and services across the product lifecycle—from development through commercialization. This influential role is responsible for shaping supplier ecosystems, driving cross-functional alignment, mitigating risk, and enabling cost, quality, and delivery performance at scale. You will work cross-functionally with R&D, Process Engineering, Quality, and Operations to ensure supplier capabilities align with technical and business requirements. The ideal candidate has strong experience sourcing for innovative products, possesses analytical sourcing skills, and is experienced in regulated industries such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, or medical devices.
Essential Functions And Responsibilities
Lead sourcing strategy of complex commodities supporting next-generation sequencing platforms and associated consumables through early phase development and commercialization scale-up
Partner with R&D and Operations to drive supplier selection for direct and indirect materials, contract manufacturing, and services, during both New Production Introduction (NPI) and sustaining phases
Architect and execute multi-year sourcing strategies aligned with the technology roadmap, focused on cost efficiency, manufacturability, quality, supply assurance, and proactive risk mitigations
Translate engineering & R&D requirements into sourcing criteria
Lead complex negotiations to secure competitive pricing, long-term agreements, strategic partnerships, and supply continuity for high-value commodities
Partner with Quality to ensure supplier compliance with relevant standards such as ISO 13485
Develop and manage supplier performance metrics; manage scorecards and implement corrective actions
Enhance supply chain resilience through alternate-source development, dual/triple sourcing strategies, and geopolitical/tariff risk evaluations
Ensure rigorous documentation management, sourcing governance, and alignment between BOMs, supplier data, and ERP systems
Utilize market intelligence, benchmarking, and cost modeling to manage cost-of-goods-sold (COGS) targets across product lifecycle stages, supply risks, cost drivers, make‑vs‑buy decisions, and dual sourcing strategies
Lead semi-annual business reviews with strategic suppliers to evaluate performance and strengthen partnerships
Deliver clear, data-driven communications to internal stakeholders, highlighting sourcing strategy progress, risk assessments, and financial impact
Education And Experience
Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline
10‑15+ years of experience in life sciences strategic sourcing, procurement engineering, supplier development, or technical supply chain roles
Strong command of end‑to‑end supply chain principles and best practices
Deep knowledge of product development lifecycles, Bill of Materials (BOM) structures, and supplier qualification processes
Demonstrated expertise in contract negotiation and supplier relationship management
Hands‑on experience with ERP systems such as NetSuite, SAP, or Oracle
Proficient in data analysis and reporting tools, including Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
Highly detail-oriented, well‑organized, and analytical with strong problem‑solving skills
Skilled in making data‑driven decisions with a strong analytical mindset
Proven ability to succeed in fast‑paced environment with rapidly shifting priorities and ambiguous requirements
Effective communicator with the ability to influence and collaborate across departments
Willing and able to challenge assumptions and offer objective, unbiased perspectives
Physical Requirements
Must be able to lift 15 pounds
Location
San Diego, CA (on‑site daily)
Travel
Travel required might be up to 10% (supplier visits)
Job Type
Full‑time
Base Compensation Pay Range
$135,000 - $175,000
In addition to base compensation noted above, you will be eligible for stock options, discretionary annual bonus, no cost health insurance plans, 401(k) with company match, and flexible paid time off.
Please note: Base compensation will depend on multiple factors, including geographic location, qualifications, and experience.
We foster an environment such that all people are afforded the freedom to pursue their passions without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.
#J-18808-Ljbffr