Vendor Manager

optimapharm-doo; Barcelona; Presencial; EUR 55.000 - 75.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Performance bonus

Referral bonus

Training and development program

Well-being initiatives

Employee engagement programs

Additional location-specific benefits

Descripción de la vacante

Optimapharm is expanding its global clinical operations and seeks a Vendor Manager to lead strategic partnerships, oversee the full vendor lifecycle, and drive performance across CRO and supplier networks. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams on RFPs, contracting, and vendor governance to ensure quality, compliance and cost- effectiveness in a fast-paced international environment.

Ideal candidates bring 3+ years in vendor management within CRO/pharma, strong negotiation and

Formación

• University degree in Life Sciences, Business Administration, Supply Chain, Procurement or related field.
• 3+ years in vendor management, outsourcing, procurement or supplier management within CRO/pharma.
• Experience with external vendors, labs or service partners and strong negotiation skills.
• Fluent English, written and verbal.

Responsabilidades

• Manage full vendor lifecycle: identification, onboarding, performance monitoring and offboarding.
• Build and maintain relationships with vendors and strategic partners across trials.
• Lead supplier assessments, RFPs, bid evaluations and contract negotiations.
• Monitor KPIs, SLAs and quality metrics; conduct business reviews.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project delivery and risk mitigation.
• Drive cost optimization and operational efficiency in outsourced services.

Conocimientos

Vendor management

Negotiation

Stakeholder mgmt

Analytical thinking

Communication

Independent work

Educación

Life sciences / business

Descripción del empleo

Location: Spain, Greece, Serbia or Croatia

Who we are?

Optimapharm is a mid-sized, global Contract Research Organisation (CRO) turning science into hope through agile, patient-focused clinical development. We specialise in Phase I–IV clinical studies, delivering Full-Service and Functional Service Provision (FSP) solutions that help sponsors move faster and execute with confidence.

With operations in 40+ countries and 2x the patient reach of the average mid-sized CRO, we enable accelerated regulatory pathways, faster study start-up, and access to diverse patient populations worldwide. At Optimapharm, you’ll contribute to meaningful clinical research while growing your career in a dynamic, people‑focused, global environment.

We're looking for a Vendor Manager to join our growing team. You'll lead strategic vendor partnerships that support global clinical trials, driving performance, quality, compliance, and value across our supplier network. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building relationships, negotiating solutions, and influencing business success through effective vendor management.

What do we offer?

• Working in a successful company that’s growing and developing every day
• Being part of a clinical research team that transforms science into hope for patients
• A highly visible role with direct influence on vendor strategy and business operations
• The opportunity to manage and develop strategic partnerships across a global supplier network
• Exposure to proposal development, vendor selection activities, and commercial decision-making
• The chance to optimize vendor performance, costs, and operational efficiencies
• Collaboration with international cross-functional teams across clinical research projects
• Performance bonus
• Referral bonus
• Employee engagement programs
• Well-being initiatives
• Training and development program
• Additional location-specific benefits

Who are we looking for?

Qualifications and Experience

• University degree in Life Sciences, Business Administration, Supply Chain, Procurement, or another relevant field
• Minimum 3 years of experience in vendor management, outsourcing, procurement, supplier management, contracting, or a related function within a CRO, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or healthcare environment
• Experience managing external vendors, suppliers, laboratories, technology providers, or specialty service partners
• Strong negotiation and relationship management skills
• Experience conducting vendor assessments, performance reviews, and supplier evaluations
• Understanding of clinical research processes and outsourced service models is highly desirable
• Knowledge of GxP and applicable regulatory requirements within clinical development is an advantage
• Strong analytical, commercial, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Fluent English, written and verbal
• A proactive mindset, strong sense of ownership, and ability to work independently in a fast-paced international environment

Your responsibilities

• Manage the full vendor lifecycle, including identification, qualification, onboarding, performance monitoring, and offboarding
• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, strategic partners, and service providers supporting clinical trials
• Lead vendor selection activities, including requests for proposals (RFPs), bid evaluations, and supplier assessments
• Monitor vendor performance through KPIs, SLAs, quality metrics, and regular business reviews
• Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure effective vendor oversight and successful project delivery
• Identify and mitigate operational, quality, compliance, financial, and delivery risks associated with outsourced services
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance vendor performance and operational efficiency
• Support cost optimization initiatives and negotiate favorable commercial terms with vendors
• Lead the preparation, review, negotiation, and execution of vendor agreements and related contractual documentation
• Maintain accurate vendor records, performance documentation, and preferred vendor databases
• Support vendor governance activities, issue escalations, CAPA follow-up, and business continuity planning

You will be successful in this role if you:

• Enjoy building strategic relationships and creating long‑term partnerships
• Have a strong commercial mindset and naturally seek opportunities for optimization and improvement
• Can balance business objectives, quality expectations, and operational realities
• Are confident negotiating and influencing stakeholders at different levels
• Thrive in a fast‑paced international environment with multiple priorities
• Take ownership of challenges and proactively drive solutions

Compensation is competitive and final offers will reflect each candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications.

Disclaimer: Unsolicited CVs sent to Optimapharm (Talent Acquisition Team, Hiring Managers or any other OPT employee) by recruitment agencies will not be considered for this role. Optimapharm follows a direct sourcing strategy and collaborates exclusively with selected recruitment partners when external support is required.