Senior Purchasing Specialist

Company Description

Ascend is a leading partner in advanced therapy development and commercialization, offering expertise from gene research to GMP production. We specialize in collaborating closely with clients to bring their innovative products from the laboratory to clinical applications and beyond. Our mission is to build the future of advanced therapies by providing tailored solutions and unparalleled support. Join Ascend and contribute to shaping groundbreaking advancements in healthcare.

Role Description

The Senior Purchasing Specialist leads strategic procurement initiatives and manages complex, high-value sourcing activities across the organization, including global and multi-site operations (US, UK, and Germany). This is a hands-on role requiring both strategic sourcing leadership and direct execution of procurement transactions. This role drives supplier performance, cost optimization, and risk mitigation while ensuring compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements. As a key cross-functional partner, the Senior Purchasing Specialist develops and executes procurement strategies that support operational goals, financial performance, and long-term supply chain resilience.

Job Duties

• Execute day-to-day procurement activities, including creation of purchase requisitions (PRs), purchase orders (POs), and processing/coordination of vendor invoices Ensure accuracy and timeliness of transactional procurement activities in ERP systems
• Lead sourcing strategy and category management for assigned direct and indirect spend areas across multiple sites including international/overseas operations
• Develop and execute cost-reduction, cost avoidance, and supplier optimization initiatives
• Conduct market analysis, supplier risk assessments, and benchmarking to inform sourcing decisions
• Analyze spend data and provide actionable insights to improve procurement efficiency and cost control
• Lead complex supplier negotiations to secure optimal pricing, contract terms, and long-term value
• Own end-to-end procurement processes, including sourcing, contracting, and supplier performance management for high-impact purchases
• Identify, qualify, and manage supplier relationships; evaluate performance based on cost, quality, delivery, and reliability
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), and customer-specific requirements, particularly for government-funded contracts
• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for procurement processes, systems, and regulatory compliance
• Partner cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Quality, Facilities, HR, Legal, and Contracts to support project execution and resolve procurement challenges
• Collaborate with planning and inventory control to maintain optimal stock levels and mitigate supply risks
• Oversee and maintain procurement documentation, including purchase orders and supplier records, within DELTEK/Costpoint®
• Prioritize and manage critical or time-sensitive procurements while maintaining compliance and accuracy
• Develop and implement procurement strategies that enhance cost efficiency, supplier performance, and supply continuity
• Provide mentorship, guidance, and training to junior purchasing staff as needed
• Working knowledge of government procurement regulations, including FAR, DFARS, or equivalent
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business Administration, or related field preferred, or other degree and equivalent experience
• Minimum of 5-6 years of progressive procurement experience, including strategic sourcing and supplier management
• Demonstrated success in achieving measurable cost savings and process improvements
• Experience managing high-value or complex procurement spend
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills with the ability to balance cost, quality, and delivery requirements
• ERP system experience (NetSuite and/or DELTEK/Costpoint® strongly preferred )
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office® (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• High level of initiative, accountability, and professionalism

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in biotechnology, contract manufacturing, or GMP-regulated environments
• Advanced experience in contract negotiation and supplier management
• Knowledge of supplier risk management and mitigation strategies
• Experience with spend analytics, forecasting, and procurement data analysis

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provide guidance, mentorship, and training to junior purchasing staff
• Act as a subject matter expert and escalation point for procurement-related issues
• May lead cross-functional initiatives or procurement projects