Director, Raw Material Strategy

Who is BlueRock?
BlueRock Therapeutics, a wholly-owned and independently operated subsidiary of Bayer AG, is a leading engineered cell therapy company using its unique cell+gene platform to direct cellular differentiation and genetically engineer cells to create a new generation of cellular medicines that address large patient populations suffering from neurological, cardiovascular, and immunology diseases.The convergence of cell biology and genetic engineering is creating fundamental new ways to impact disease. Founded in 2016 to capitalize on these technological breakthroughs, we are advancing our novel cell+gene platform to develop, manufacture, and deliver an entirely new generation of authentic and engineered cell therapies across three therapeutic areas: neurology, cardiology, and immunology.
What Are We Doing?
Our foundational science harnesses the ability to create and then direct the differentiation of universal pluripotent stem cells into authentic, functional cells that can be used as allogeneic cellular therapies to treat a broad array of diseases. We can also further engineer these cells, enabling them to produce enzymes, antibodies, and other proteins for additional therapeutic benefit. We are passionate about delivering on the promise of cellular and gene therapy, shaping the future of cellular medicine, and delivering new therapies to millions of patients with treatment options. We are seeking individuals who are collaborative, thrive in a fun and dynamic culture, and are steadfast in the commitment to advance cutting-edge cellular therapies to impact patients’ lives.
The Director Raw Material Strategy is accountable for establishing and executing the raw material strategy across BlueRock.This includes on one hand the coordination of raw material specific activities to ensure phase appropriate compliance, raw material understanding & control and cost optimization. On the other hand, it encompasses the identification and evaluation of trends and opportunities for innovation and cost optimization of the overall raw material and supplier portfolio.
The Director Raw Material Strategy also acts as process owner for all raw material related processes across BlueRock. The role is responsible for identifying and sharing best practices across programs, functions, and sites.
The role will strongly collaborate with different functions (Quality Assurance, Process Development, Quality Control, Manufacturing, Procurement, Supply Chain, and CMC) optimizing the raw material portfolio and driving execution of key materials related projects.   Responsibilities:

Accountable for defining short- and long-term raw material (and supplier) specific strategies, considering:

Phase appropriate compliance

Raw material understanding & control

Cost optimization

Defines and executes multi-year innovation and cost optimization roadmap for overall raw material portfolio and proactively assesses new ways of working, superior raw materials, and innovative scientific & technical solutions by identifying and onboarding the right suppliers

Establishes and improves standards for cross-functional raw material processes at BlueRock

Facilitates Raw Material Review Committee to align specific raw material strategies across functions and programs and ensure their timely implementation, as well as knowledge sharing on raw material related topics

Responsible for centralizing, documenting, and sharing raw material performance data to allow efficient knowledge sharing across programs and functions

Actively collaborates in material standardization and collaborates in escalations for most critical material supplies by preparing/revising technical evaluations of alternatives for business-critical materials in concert with SMEs across functions

Continuously seeks opportunities and new ideas to improve outcomes and increases value of services provided by suppliers and consult regularly with internal and external stakeholders on key industry trends and leading practices to identify technical challenges/opportunities and ideate solutions

Acts as internal escalation facilitator, bringing line functions including Quality, Procurement, SCM, Research, Analytical, and QA together for assessment and path forward.

Manages interface towards Bayer for all raw material related topics (incl. opportunities in the areas of cost, compliance, storage, and vendor relations)

Minimum Requirements:

Graduate in sciences – biochemical, chemical or pharmaceutical sciences with higher level degree (MBA, PhD) or similar MBA required.

10+ years of relevant business experience in biotech or large corporate organizations (industry specific experience is a plus).

Strong leadership skills, excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Technical operations, development, product life cycle management, cross-functional leadership, and new supplier qualification skills are a plus

Expertise in organizational dynamics and culture, ability to gain trust and confidence at all levels in the organization, leadership and project management experience

Previous experience and strong mindset in continuous improvement and change management with a focus in the Direct materials domain. Needs to be able to work independently and reliably without much direction and guidance. Experience in international, complex and dynamic environments.

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BlueRock Therapeutics Company Culture HighlightsWinner of Comparably's Award for Best Company for Diversity 2022Winner of Comparably's Award for Best Company for Women 2022Winner of Comparably's Award for Best CEO 2022BlueRock Therapeutics is ranked in the top 5% of companies for Overall Culture on Comparably.Engineering Department is ranked in the top 5% of companies for Overall Culture on Comparably.
Check us out on Comparably: https://www.comparably.com/companies/bluerock-therapeutics
Equal Opportunity Workplace: At BlueRock, we welcome and support differences and diversity and we are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.  Please let us know if you require disability-related accommodation or other grounds protected by human rights legislation during the recruitment process so that we can work with you to meet your needs.