Director, Procurement and Sourcing

Alkermes; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 182,000 - 205,000; Full time

Job summary

Alkermes, Inc. in Boston, MA, seeks a Director of Procurement to lead strategic sourcing for Commercial functions and establish integrated sourcing models across the department.

You will partner with internal and external teams to drive cost savings while ensuring compliance and quality. Responsibilities include developing global sourcing strategies, managing RFx and supplier relationships, leading cross‑functional teams, and driving ESG considerations in procurement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or business.
• 10–15 years of procurement and sourcing experience in the pharmaceutical or related industry.
• GMP and/or GCP knowledge to ensure compliance in sourcing activities.
• Experience with ERP systems such as Oracle or SAP, plus Excel, PowerPoint, and Project software.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with key business partners to provide strategic sourcing support.
• Define operating efficiencies and cost-saving initiatives using strategic sourcing techniques.
• Develop and execute procurement strategies for Commercial Categories.
• Lead negotiations for complex service agreements and manage contract lifecycles.
• Incorporate sustainability and ESG considerations into procurement strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Strategic thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or business

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Oracle

SAP

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Project

Job description

Director of Procurement

Reports to Global Head of Procurement & Sourcing

Position Summary

The Director of Procurement is responsible for leading and managing the strategic sourcing activities within the Commercial function as well as establishing and implementing an integrated sourcing model within the department. This role requires close collaboration with internal and external partners to optimize the strategic sourcing process, supporting the company's growth and dynamic needs.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key business partners to provide strategic sourcing support.
• Work collaboratively to define operating efficiencies and cost‑saving initiatives, promoting the use of strategic sourcing techniques across the business to deliver cost savings.
• Manage the development, implementation, and alignment of ALKS global sourcing strategies in conjunction with other site procurement leaders.
• Execute sourcing plans, including RFx development, negotiations, contracting, and supplier relationship management for key strategic suppliers.
• Develop and execute procurement strategies for Commercial Categories.
• Work with key business stakeholders to understand commercial needs, identifying cost‑saving opportunities while ensuring service quality and risk mitigation.
• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives, ensuring alignment with the company’s overall procurement strategy and objectives.
• Oversee procurement of Commercial Categories, including print, fleet, creative agencies, media, patient services & data & analytics.
• Collaborate with Commercial teams to manage contracts for the Commercial Categories, ensuring cost efficiency and compliance.
• Lead negotiations for complex service agreements, ensuring terms are favorable, legally sound, and aligned with business goals.
• Manage contract lifecycle processes, including renewals, amendments, and terminations.
• Ensure contracts meet regulatory and compliance requirements, managing any risks associated with the company’s operations and facilities.
• Incorporate sustainability and ESG considerations into procurement strategies, ensuring alignment with the company’s environmental and social goals.
• Support Head of Procurement and GPLT to implement and drive consistent methodology for category strategies and category councils, building proper governance across HR, IT, Legal, Finance, and Facilities teams.
• Serve as a strategic partner to internal business units, providing guidance and support in vendor selection and contract negotiations.
• Lead cross‑functional teams to deliver procurement projects on time and within budget, driving stakeholder engagement and support.
• Establish procurement processes and governance frameworks for Commercial, ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization, cost savings, and operational efficiency.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging technology and analytics to enhance procurement outcomes.
• Develop supplier network capabilities for key spend categories to achieve broad business objectives, including total cost optimization.
• Continuously assess spend and proactively develop actions to identify cost reductions, improve supplier performance, and ensure compliance with preferred suppliers.
• Lead the supplier/contractor qualification process, reviewing requisite experience, legal and organizational structure, financial viability, geographic coverage, insurance requirements, and other capabilities.
• Develop annual cost savings programs and implement business strategies that directly impact company financial results and growth plans.
• Assist with the preparation of budgets.
• Maintain and enhance job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, using professional publications, aligning with professional organizations and societies, maintaining personal networks, and monitoring financial guidelines and requirements.
• Manage direct reports, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or business required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 10–15 years of experience in procurement and sourcing within the pharmaceutical or related industry.
• Demonstrated track record of delivering tangible results in a global, complex, and regulated environment.
• Extensive experience managing cross‑functional teams and working on multiple projects simultaneously.
• General knowledge of GMP and/or GCP, ensuring compliance in all sourcing activities.
• Demonstrated capabilities with ERP systems such as Oracle or SAP, as well as Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Project software.

Competencies

• Leadership and Innovation: Demonstrates strong leadership, stimulating creativity and innovation, supporting change and promoting a global perspective.
• Project Management: Strong project management and operations skills with high attention to detail.
• Communication and Influence: Excellent communication, influencing, and collaboration skills, with the ability to lead through influence and drive business results.
• Adaptability and Problem Solving: Flexibility in adapting to external environmental influences and problem‑solving within a matrixed global environment.

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $182,000 to $205,000. In addition, this position is eligible for an annual performance pay bonus. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, training, knowledge, and experience. Alkermes offers a competitive benefits package. Additional details can be found on our careers website: www.alkermes.com/careers#working-here.

Alkermes, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any qualified applicant or employee because of race, creed, color, age, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression and identity, disability, genetic information, veteran status, military status, application for military service or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law. Alkermes also complies with all work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA. Alkermes is an E-Verify employer.