Director, Strategic Sourcing

Protagonist Therapeutics • Newark, NJ

9d • Onsite

About The Position

Protagonist Therapeutics is a discovery-through-late-stage development biopharmaceutical company with a proprietary technology platform that enables de novo discovery of peptide therapeutics. Two novel peptides derived from Protagonist's proprietary discovery platform are at or near commercialization. ICOTYDE™ (icotrokinra), licensed to Johnson & Johnson company Janssen Biotech, Inc., is the first and only targeted oral peptide that precisely blocks the Interleukin-23 receptor. ICOTYDE was launched in the U.S. in March 2026, is approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age or older and is in Phase 3 development for psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. ICOTYDE was jointly discovered by Protagonist and Johnson & Johnson scientists, with Protagonist having primary responsibility for the development of ICOTYDE through Phase 1, and Johnson & Johnson assuming responsibility for further development and commercialization. Protagonist also discovered and led development through Phase 3 of rusfertide, a first-in-class hepcidin mimetic peptide licensed to Takeda Pharmaceuticals. An NDA for rusfertide for the treatment of polycythemia vera is under priority review with the FDA. The Company also has a number of clinical and preclinical programs addressing clinically and commercially validated targets, including an oral IL-17 antagonist peptide, obesity dual and triple agonists, an oral hepcidin functional mimetic, and the recently announced IL-4 and amylin programs. More information on Protagonist, its pipeline drug candidates, and clinical studies can be found on the Company's website at https://www.protagonist-inc.com .

Requirements

• 5 years+ of strategic sourcing experience with a focus on biotech, life sciences or related industries.
• Negotiating with CROs preferable.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, procurement, finance or related field.
• Proven experience in contract negotiation, contract terms and vendor management.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to analyze spend data, identify trends and recommend related sourcing strategies.
• Ability to drive multiple projects in a fast paced and dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal teams to understand their contract requirements, budget constraints and align sourcing strategies and timelines.
• Analyze spend data and vendor performance to recommend strategies for cost optimization.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors to ensure continuity of service and favorable terms.
• Organize and lead quarterly business reviews with major vendors and assess their performance relative to the contract.
• Conduct market research to stay abreast of industry best practices and new vendor offerings.
• Prepare regular reports on savings, vendor performance and sourcing initiatives for senior leadership.
• Track and report on KPIs related to cost savings, contract renewals and supplier relationships.
• Coordinate with corporate travel vendor to ensure best pricing is obtained for travel and related expenses.

Benefits

• Health Care benefits
• Protagonist covers 100% of the premium cost for medical, dental, and vision coverage for all full-time employees and their dependents.
• Flexible Spending Accounts – Healthcare FSA, Dependent Care FSA, Commuter Benefits
• 401(k) Plan
• Flexible Vacation Policy
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Company paid lunch and snacks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director