Associate Director, Development Outsourcing

Jade Biosciences•San Francisco, CA

8h•Remote

About The Position

Jade Biosciences is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing therapies for autoimmune diseases. The Associate Director of Development Outsourcing supports the sourcing and strategic management of external vendors across clinical development programs from Phase I through Phase IV. The role partners with Development Operations, study teams, and cross-functional stakeholders on vendor sourcing, contracting, governance, oversight, issue resolution, and continuous improvement. This newly created role reports to the Director, Development Outsourcing. It is fully remote and requires occasional travel.

Requirements

8–12 years of biotechnology, pharmaceutical, CRO, or contract research experience, with significant experience in Development Outsourcing, Clinical Operations, Vendor Management, or a related function.
Strong understanding of clinical development and outsourced service delivery models across Phases I–IV.
Demonstrated experience leading vendor sourcing initiatives, RFP processes, bid defenses, contract negotiations, and vendor oversight.
Experience negotiating and managing Master Service Agreements, Statements of Work, Change Orders, and other vendor-related contracts.
Proven ability to independently manage complex outsourcing activities across multiple studies and stakeholders.
Strong business judgment and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively in a dynamic environment.
Ability to identify risks, make timely decisions, and resolve issues with limited direction.
Strong communication, negotiation, influence, and relationship management skills.
Experience collaborating effectively within cross-functional and matrixed organizations.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary Development Outsourcing lead for assigned studies and programs, partnering with cross-functional study teams and vendors.
Implement outsourcing strategies and plans established by Development Outsourcing leadership and independently manage day-to-day vendor activities for assigned studies.
Advise study teams on vendor selection, contract strategy, oversight, and issue resolution.
Ensure outsourcing deliverables, timelines, and decisions are executed efficiently and align with study objectives.
Lead vendor sourcing and evaluation, including preparing RFI/RFP materials, reviewing proposals, coordinating bid defenses, conducting comparative analyses, and developing recommendations.
Lead the development, negotiation, and execution of vendor agreements, including Confidentiality Agreements, Master Service Agreements, Statements of Work, Change Orders, rate cards, and Letters of Intent.
Partner with Legal, Finance, and study teams to drive contract execution and resolve business or operational issues affecting study startup or execution.
Represent outsourcing day to day for assigned vendors and studies, proactively identifying and resolving operational issues, risks, and decisions.
Escalate significant risks, relationship concerns, performance issues, and strategic decisions to Development Outsourcing leadership, and drive follow-through on agreed actions.
Support vendor governance by preparing materials, tracking actions, monitoring performance metrics, and ensuring commitments are completed.
Monitor vendor performance and support corrective and preventive actions when needed.
Collaborate with Development Operations, Clinical Quality Assurance, Legal, Finance, and other stakeholders on vendor oversight and execution.
Support vendor qualification, audit readiness, inspection preparedness, and oversight with Clinical Quality Assurance.
Maintain documentation related to vendor selection, contracting, governance, performance management, and issue resolution.
Contribute to continuous improvement of Development Outsourcing processes, tools, templates, and best practices.
Balance urgent issues, strategic priorities, and routine responsibilities across multiple activities in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Exercise sound judgment and independent decision-making, escalating matters when leadership engagement is needed.
Demonstrate initiative and accountability by driving decisions, resolving obstacles, and ensuring commitments are completed.