SENIOR DIRECTOR, PROCUREMENT

ABOUT US:

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We are celebrating our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. We work hand-in-hand with researchers of the Scripps Research Translational Institute and Calibr to merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

Celebrating a Century: https://100.scripps.edu/

 

POSITION TITLE:    Senior Director, Procurement

POSITION SUMMARY:

We are seeking a visionary Senior Director of Procurement to lead transformative initiatives that enhance research and operational efficiencies at the Scripps Research Institute. This individual will oversee the R&D sourcing and supply center functions, working closely with scientific stakeholders and cross-functional teams to achieve impactful outcomes.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Lead the transformation of R&D sourcing and procurement functions. This includes oversight of Institutional sourcing activities, supply center strategy, and the identification and implementation of new technologies ensuring alignment with research priorities and operational goals.
• Develop and execute institution-wide procurement strategies to support life sciences research, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of the scientific community.
• Foster collaboration with internal stakeholders, including the Procure-to-Pay (P2P) and research administrative teams, to drive continuous improvement and implement efficient, automated procurement processes. Oversee the seamless flow of research materials and ensure cost savings and operational efficiency.
• Provide leadership in data-driven decision-making, leveraging market research and internal data to inform sourcing strategies and improve supplier relationships. Foster supplier diversity, sustainability, and ethical sourcing practices in alignment with institutional goals and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee contract negotiations, risk assessments, and compliance audits to ensure procurement processes and supplier relationships meet industry standards. Collaborate with research leaders, faculty, and institutional stakeholders to ensure sourcing strategies align with research priorities and long-term institutional goals.
• Mentor and develop the sourcing and supply center teams, ensuring staff are equipped with the necessary skills to meet the complex demands of a life sciences research institution.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.    

 

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of progressive experience in sourcing and procurement with a focus on scientific sourcing and procurement in a regulated industry such as biomedical or life sciences, leading cross-functional teams and overseeing large spend categories and procurement transformations.
• Proven track record of leading large-scale procurement transformations, particularly in scientific buying. Experience with academic and/or non-profit institutions preferred. Experience with Jaggaer and Workday a plus.
• Expertise in strategic sourcing, procurement, and supplier relationship management, with strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Understanding of the evolving life sciences supplier landscape and regulatory considerations. Knowledge of IP, UCC, and Uniform Guidance (UG) a plus.
• Data-driven leader, with strong financial acumen related to budget management, cost reduction strategies, and process improvements.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Preferred certifications: CPM, CPSM, PMP, or Lean Six Sigma.
• This is an on-campus position requiring 4 days per week working onsite from our La Jolla campus, with flexibility to work 1 day per week remotely fr