Associate Director, Strategic Partner Management & Continuous Improvement

Vertex Inc.•Boston, MA

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director, Logistics Strategic Partner Management & Continuous Improvement will play a pivotal role in fostering and managing strategic partnerships that align with Vertex’s Global Logistics objectives. This role will work closely with Global Logistics, Strategic Sourcing & Procurement, Supply Chain, and Quality Assurance teams to ensure alignment and collaboration across the Global Logistics organization. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in logistics, supply chain management, and supplier relationship management, with a proven ability to drive operational excellence and build high-impact relationships. The Associate Director will lead the organization’s logistics strategic partnerships by facilitating the review and implementation of logistics operations service agreements, documenting business requirements and scope of work documents, and monitoring operational performance through strategic business reviews. Additionally, the role will drive the development and implementation of continuous improvement initiatives focused on enhancing strategic partner performance, optimizing ways of working, and fostering innovation through these partnerships to deliver value to Vertex. This role will also be responsible for managing the onboarding of strategic partners, overseeing supplier qualification processes, and serving as the single point of contact for all change control-related activities. Furthermore, the Associate Director will ensure alignment with other functional groups on vendor scoring and performance, conducting comprehensive reviews of partner performance across multiple forums to ensure consistent and effective collaboration.

Requirements

Proven expertise in developing and managing strategic partnerships within a global logistics or supply chain environment, with a focus on driving operational excellence and fostering innovation.
Strong understanding of logistics operations, including temperature-controlled logistics, 3PL management, trade compliance, and supplier relationship management.
Demonstrated ability to lead the development and implementation of logistics operations service agreements, business requirements, and scope of work documentation.
Experience in monitoring and evaluating supplier performance through vendor scoring, performance reviews, and comprehensive performance assessments across multiple forums.
In-depth knowledge of logistics network strategy, including network design principles, supplier capability evaluation, demand/supply integration, and risk identification.
Proficiency in developing forward-looking assessments of commercial forecast scenarios, product launch milestones, and future expansion needs, including supplier and technology requirements.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to develop cost model simulations and scenario planning for supply chain optimization.
Expertise in driving continuous improvement initiatives focused on enhancing strategic partner performance, optimizing ways of working, and introducing innovative solutions through partnerships.
Familiarity with digital logistics initiatives, such as control towers, supply chain visibility, and logistics data centralization.
Knowledge of Good Distribution Practices (GDP) and global regulatory requirements, with the ability to implement processes and controls that align with evolving Health Authority expectations.
Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams, including Strategic Sourcing & Procurement, Supply Chain, and Quality Assurance.
Strong leadership skills with experience in fostering a high-performing, collaborative, and innovative team culture.
Ability to represent the organization at industry events and maintain an external network to stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in logistics.
10-12+ years progressive experience in Supply Chain, Logistics and/or manufacturing leadership roles in the pharmaceutical industry – Experience with Biological products and Genetic and Cell Therapy technologies is strongly preferred.
Experience in building and managing complex Global Supply Chain Logistics operations and Supplier Relationship Management.
Thought leader in Logistics, Warehousing and Transportation with a proven ability to innovate and implement continuous improvement projects and governance.
Proven ability to work seamlessly across teams and develop excellent partnerships with peers.
Demonstrated understanding of the principles and regulations associated with GDP operations.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute strategies to identify, establish, and maintain strategic partnerships that align with Vertex’s Global Logistics objectives.
Serve as the primary point of contact for strategic partners, ensuring alignment with Vertex’s operational and business goals.
Manage the onboarding and qualification of strategic partners, ensuring compliance with Vertex’s standards and global regulatory requirements.
In partnership with Strategic Sourcing & Procurement, oversee the development, negotiation, and implementation of logistics operations service agreements, including documentation of business requirements and scope of work documents.
Act as the single point of contact for all change control-related activities with strategic partners, following GMP/GDP best business practices and internal procedures.
Monitor and evaluate the performance of strategic partners through vendor scoring and performance reviews, ensuring alignment with Vertex’s expectations and objectives.
Facilitate comprehensive reviews of supplier performance across multiple forums, ensuring a holistic evaluation of partner contributions.
Contribute to the development of a comprehensive Global Logistics network strategy for pipeline and commercial programs, ensuring alignment with Vertex’s Supply Chain strategy.
Support the evaluation of supplier capabilities and proactive identification of risks across the logistics network.

Benefits

This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards.
Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements.
At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations.
From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.

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