Director, Vendor Outsourcing, Business Strategy & Operations

Gilead Sciences•Foster City, CA

About The Position

Gilead Sciences is seeking a Director, Vendor Outsourcing, Business Strategy & Operations to play a critical role in supporting leadership and ensuring effective organizational operations. Vendor Outsourcing (VO), within Development Operations, operates at the intersection of strategy, execution, and compliance, owning an end‑to‑end support model that spans category management, sourcing, vendor qualification, contracting, and vendor performance & relationship management. The team plays a critical role in ensuring compliant contracting, sustained inspection‑readiness, measurable value generation, and continuous improvement across a diverse and complex global portfolio. Vendor Outsourcing (VO) manages CRO, CRU, RWE, Observational Research, Central & Specialty Lab, HCP Consulting, Clinical Development Cooperatives, Functional Service Providers, Regulatory, Safety, Quality and GXP-Medical Affairs & Development Systems service categories to deliver value, quality, compliant and innovative solutions with the right partner, in collaboration with the enterprise. The Director, Vendor Outsourcing, Business Strategy & Operations serves as a strategic partner to leadership, driving functional initiatives that improve business performance, operational efficiency, and execution excellence. The ideal candidate combines technical category acumen, strong strategic thinking, hands-on operational execution with a finesse to influence stakeholders in a highly regulated, matrixed environment. The role reports into the Global Head of Vendor Outsourcing.

Requirements

12+ Years with BS/BA OR 10+ Years with MS/MA or MBA
Experience in clinical development category management, business strategy, operations, vendor outsourcing, or regulated environments
Exposure to outsourcing governance, portfolio management, or operational excellence initiatives
Proven ability to influence and drive outcomes in a matrixed, cross‑functional environment
Excellent executive communication and stakeholder management
Strong systems and analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex information
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive‑level materials

Nice To Haves

MBA and/or advanced scientific degree

Responsibilities

Support or lead Vendor Outsourcing (VO) strategic initiatives to drive business results through operational rigor, disciplined execution, technical acumen and strong collaboration and alignment across VO partner functions and VO leadership.
Lead and contribute to process improvement and simplification initiatives to enhance efficiency, scalability, and consistency across VO.
Support and advance a “One VO” operating model, ensuring key processes are adaptable and applicable across multiple categories and subfunctions.
Partner closely with the VO leadership to support leadership priorities, actions, follow-ups, and meeting minutes, including curating and facilitating effective leadership forums, e.g. VO All Hands and leadership meetings.
Manage and maintain the VO SharePoint site, ensuring content is current, accurate, and accessible.
Anticipate business needs and proactively identify focus areas to support organizational priorities and long‑term objectives.
Collaborate and build strong networks within and outside the organization to advance initiatives and support leadership effectiveness.
Support change management efforts related to both strategic and operational initiatives.
Develop clear, concise, and executive‑ready communications, including presentations for senior leadership.
Leverage data and analytics to generate insights that inform decision‑making and improve business outcomes.
Create Inclusion by demonstrating the business value of diverse and inclusive teams and embedding equity and respect into day to day people management practices.
Develop Talent by understanding team members skills experience aspirations and potential and providing coaching feedback and development opportunities.
Empower Teams by connecting team goals to organizational purpose removing barriers to execution and enabling cross functional collaboration.