Title:  Partner Management Lead (vendor management in clinical research)

About Astellas

Astellas’ Global Capability Centres – Overview

Working Environment and Location

• This is a permanent role based in our Global Capability Centre in Warsaw, Poland and hybrid working with the expectation for some office presence. Flexibility may be required in line with business needs. Candidates must be located within a commutable distance of the office.
• At Astellas we recognize the importance of work/life balance, and we are proud to offer a hybrid working solution allowing time to connect with colleagues at the office with the flexibility to also work from home. We believe this will optimize the most productive work environment for all employees to succeed and deliver. Hybrid work from certain locations may be permitted in accordance with Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines.

Purpose and Scope

• Lead vendor partnerships supporting clinical development activities and ensure high-quality service delivery.
• Monitor vendor performance, governance, and compliance to support business objectives and operational excellence.
• Act as the key contact between internal stakeholders and external vendors to drive effective collaboration and continuous improvement.

Role and Responsibilities

• Manage relationships with external vendors providing clinical development services.
• Oversee vendor governance activities, including performance reviews, KPIs, metrics, and issue escalation management.
• Ensure compliance with vendor oversight processes, procedures, and quality requirements.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to align vendor activities with business and portfolio needs.
• Support outsourcing initiatives, including planning, transition, and ongoing management of services.
• Monitor vendor resources, deliverables, and operational performance.
• Analyze vendor-related costs and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and optimize spend.
• Track and report vendor performance metrics and recommend corrective actions when needed.
• Lead or support business reviews and governance meetings with vendors.
• Contribute to process improvements that enhance vendor performance and operational effectiveness.

Essential Qualifications

• Strong professional experience  in vendor management, vendor oversight, or outsourcing management in the area of clinical research.
• University degree or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of clinical development processes gained on the Sponsor and/or CRO side.
• Experience managing KPIs, performance metrics, and vendor governance activities.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience handling vendor escalations and resolving operational issues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing multiple vendor relationships across different service areas.
• Budget planning, forecasting, and cost management experience.
• Quality, compliance, inspection readiness, audit, or GxP experience.
• Line management or people leadership experience.

What awaits you at Astellas?

• Global collaboration: Become part of a connected global business of like-minded life science leaders, all dedicated to improving patients' lives worldwide.  
• Real-world patient impact: Contribute to transformative therapies that reach patients around the world, knowing your work makes a difference every day. 
• Relentless Innovation: Join a company at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs, where you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of healthcare.  
• A Culture of Growth: Chart your own course within a supportive environment that values your contributions, champions your development, and empowers you to pursue your passions.

Our Organisational Values and Behaviours

Benefits

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