Kyowa Kirin is a fast growing global specialty pharmaceutical company that applies state-of-the-art biotechnologies to discover and deliver novel medicines in four areas of unmet need: oncology, nephrology, immunology and CNS/movement disorders. The North America organization includes three offices (in New Jersey, North Carolina and California) that focus on drug discovery, product development, manufacturing and commercialization.Together, we work as a close-knit team to understand clinical needs and advance innovations that can have a profound impact on patient lives.

Summary of Job:

The Associate Director of Procurement, Commercial Operations and Strategy is a key leadership role within Procurement at Kyowa Kirin North America (KKNA), tasked with developing and implementing procurement strategies that are aligned with a broad spectrum of commercial and corporate objectives. This role is central to the oversight of procurement activities across diverse functions including Market Access & Pricing, Finance, Global Medical Affairs, Human Resources, Legal, Commercial Excellence, Public Affairs, Corporate Strategy & Planning, as well as the specialized requirements of Franchise Heads for Oncology, CNS, and Rare Diseases.

With a strategic focus on delivering value, this position is responsible for cost management, upholding quality standards in products and services, and ensuring procurement practices reflect sustainability and diversity. This role is also pivotal in leading the KKNA Small Business Subcontracting Program, championing a vendor base that is both diverse and innovative.

The Associate Director actively engages in high-level negotiations, fosters strong relationships with key suppliers, and integrates modern technologies and best practices to enhance procurement operations. In a landscape of fast-paced market changes, this role requires a dynamic individual capable of fostering consensus and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams and adapting procurement strategies to meet the evolving needs of the business.

Essential Functions:

Strategy Development:

• Craft and execute category strategies in alignment with corporate objectives, focusing on value, cost efficiency, and quality.
• Manage the KKNA Small Business Subcontracting Program, promoting supply chain diversity and sustainability.

Leadership and Team Management:

• Guide the NA Procurement Analyst(s) and cross-functional teams, nurturing a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Vendor and Stakeholder Management:

• Conduct RFx processes, ensuring competitive bidding and strategic vendor selection.
• Forge and maintain robust supplier relationships, emphasizing innovation and reliability.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align procurement strategies with their needs.

Innovation and Process Improvement:

• Introduce process enhancements and innovative solutions to improve procurement efficiency.
• Incorporate cutting-edge technologies to streamline procurement operations.

Compliance, Best Practices, and Cultural Integration:

• Uphold compliance with internal policies, regulatory standards, and ethical practices.
• Integrate Western and Japanese cultural sensitivities into procurement activities.
• Champion sustainability and diversity within the procurement process.

Job Requirement:

Education & Experience:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, Engineering, or a related field from an accredited institution. A master's degree in a relevant field is a plus.
• Experience: At least 7 years of experience in pharmaceutical procurement, particularly in managing indirect categories.

Skills:

• Technical:
  • Advanced proficiency in MS Office Suite, with a focus on PowerPoint and Excel.
  • Skilled in utilizing modern procurement technologies.
• Non-Technical:
  • Leadership: Demonstrated leadership abilities with experience in managing teams and leading cross-functional projects.
  • Business Acumen: Strong financial and business analysis skills, with a proven track record of strategic decision-making.
  • Communication: Excellent negotiation and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging effectively with various stakeholders.
  • Adaptability: Ability to navigate fast-paced environments, adapt to change, and prioritize effectively under pressure.
  • Cultural Competence: Experience in multinational contexts and an understanding of Japanese business practices are highly valued.
  • Sustainability and Diversity: Familiarity with sustainable procurement practices and supplier diversity initiatives.

Attributes:

• Detail-oriented with a strong work ethic and the ability to deliver results on tight deadlines.
• Passionate about personal growth and development within a dynamic, high-growth environment.
• Capable of fostering consensus and collaboration across multinational teams.

Physical Demands: Normal office environment with prolonged sitting and extensive computer work

Working Conditions: Requires up to 10% domestic and international travel

KKNA and all of its employees have an obligation to act in accordance with the law and with integrity in all our operations and interactions

It is the policy of Kyowa Kirin North America, Inc. to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, religion, creed, color, pregnancy, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic trait or predisposition, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or affection preference or citizenship status or any other category protected by law.

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