Manager Vendor Strategy & Relationships

Program Manager II (Manager, Vendor Strategy & Relationships)
Rate: $60-70/hr based on experience
Contract: Through Dec 31, 2026 with potential extensions
Location: Remote
 
Orion Group is hiring a remote Program Manager II – Vendor Strategy & Relationships supports operational execution across the clinical vendor lifecycle for our global pharmaceutical client. This role acts as a subject matter expert (SME) for central laboratory vendors, helping study teams and therapeutic areas effectively select, manage, and collaborate with external vendors throughout clinical trials.

The role focuses on operational execution, vendor oversight, and study-level coordination, ensuring vendors perform effectively and clinical programs remain aligned with enterprise vendor strategies.



Key Responsibilities

Vendor Strategy & Study Support

• Execute vendor selection strategies alongside clinical study teams.
• Provide early consultation to study teams regarding vendor capabilities, risks, and operational considerations.

Vendor Collaboration

• Lead internal vendor kickoff meetings and co-lead vendor/study team kickoff meetings.
• Ensure alignment between vendor deliverables and study objectives.

Operational Oversight

• Review key vendor documentation such as contracts and study specifications.
• Monitor vendor performance metrics and identify operational risks or trends.

Issue & Escalation Management

• Support vendor partnership and study-level escalations.
• Implement solutions to mitigate vendor performance risks.

Training & Knowledge Sharing

• Educate study teams on database lock, close-out processes, and vendor-related procedures.
• Develop and deliver training resources and best practices within Therapeutic Areas.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in science, healthcare, business, or related field
• 3+ years clinical development experience
• 3+ years working with third-party vendors
• Experience in regulated industries (pharma, biotech, healthcare)
• Knowledge of:
  • ICH guidelines
  • SOPs
  • Global clinical trial regulations
• Strong skills in:
  • stakeholder management
  • communication
  • negotiation
  • conflict resolution
  • problem solving

People are our business worldwide
 
Orion Group was founded in 1987 and is now one of the largest, independent, international recruitment companies. We have a network of 200 employees working from 24 offices, delivering a range of services – Talent Acquisition, Recruitment Outsourcing Services, Retained Search, Global Workforce Solutions, Completions & Commissioning and Materials Management – across 68 countries. As a global leader in workforce solutions, we recruit personnel across the Engineering & Technical, Office & Commercial, Scientific and Skilled Trades disciplines, for sectors including Oil & Gas, Life Science, Power & Utilities, Constructions & Infrastructure, Manufacturing and Renewables.