Assistant Director, Vendor Relationship Lead

Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, and with offices in Boston, Massachusetts, and Dublin, Ireland, Ionis has been at work for more than three decades discovering medical breakthroughs that have redefined life for people with serious diseases. We’re pioneers in RNA-targeted medicines, and our platform continues to revolutionize drug discovery and transform lives for patients with unmet needs. With multiple marketed medicines and a leading pipeline in neurology, cardiology and select areas of high patient needs, we continue to drive innovation in RNA therapies in addition to advancing new approaches in gene editing to provide greater value to patients and are well positioned financially to deliver on our strategic goals. At Ionis, we pride ourselves on cultivating a challenging, motivating and rewarding environment that fosters innovation and scientific excellence. We know that our success is a direct result of the exceptional talents and dedication of our employees. With an unprecedented opportunity to change the course of human health, we look to add diverse individuals, skill sets and perspectives to our exceptional team. We continue to invest time, money and energy into making our onsite, hybrid and remote work environments a place where solid and lasting relationships are built and where our culture and employees can thrive. We’re building on our rich history, and we believe our greatest achievements are ahead of us. If you’re passionate about the opportunity to have meaningful impact on patients in need, we invite you to apply and join us. Experience and contribute to our unique culture while you develop and expand your career! ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, VENDOR RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT SUMMARY: The Assistant Director, Vendor Relationship Management is an individual contributor role responsible for the strategic oversight and management of complex vendor relationships supporting Ionis Development. The role applies advanced, wide-ranging professional knowledge and sound judgment to develop and resolve complex vendor governance models, procedures, and performance issues. This position serves as a senior relationship leader and primary point of escalation, directs cross-functional governance, interprets business and regulatory requirements, and develops practical solutions that advance vendor performance, compliance, continuity, and value. Networks with key contacts across Development, Procurement, Quality, Clinical Operations, and other functions to identify and qualify vendor candidates and shape sourcing and oversight strategies aligned with company objectives. WORK LOCATION: Remote CORE RESPONSIBILITIES: Serves as the senior primary contact for assigned external vendors/partners and internal stakeholder organizations; establishes effective escalation pathways, advises stakeholders on complex matters, and uses influence and persuasion to drive decisions aligned with broader organizational objectives. Provides strategic oversight and management for a portfolio of complex vendors/partners within assigned outsourcing categories, such as CROs, functional service providers, and other strategic partners. Applies and continuously improves a risk-based vendor tiering and governance model, adapting evaluation criteria and oversight methods to the complexity, criticality, and risk profile of each relationship. Directs the planning, facilitation, and follow-up of vendor governance meetings and other executive or cross-functional forums; ensures decisions, actions, deliverables, and escalations are clearly documented and managed to completion. Leads complex process improvement and strategic sourcing initiatives, develops scalable best practices, and improves transparency of agreement status, performance, risk, and obligations across multiple functional areas. Directs cross-functional resolution and mitigation of vendor performance issues; facilitates root-cause analysis, lessons learned, and sustainable corrective actions…

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