Vendor Manager

📌 Location: Serbia, Croatia

Optimapharm is a mid-sized, global Contract Research Organisation (CRO) turning science into hope through agile, patient-focused clinical development. We specialise in Phase I–IV clinical studies, delivering Full-Service and Functional Service Provision (FSP) solutions that help sponsors move faster and execute with confidence.

With operations in 40+ countries and 2x the patient reach of the average mid-sized CRO, we enable accelerated regulatory pathways, faster study start-up, and access to diverse patient populations worldwide. At Optimapharm, you’ll contribute to meaningful clinical research while growing your career in a dynamic, people‑focused, global environment.

We're looking for a Vendor Manager to join our growing team. You'll lead strategic vendor partnerships that support global clinical trials, driving performance, quality, compliance, and value across our supplier network. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building relationships, negotiating solutions, and influencing business success through effective vendor management.

• Working in a successful company that’s growing and developing every day
• Being part of a clinical research team that transforms science into hope for patients
• A highly visible role with direct influence on vendor strategy and business operations
• The opportunity to manage and develop strategic partnerships across a global supplier network
• Exposure to proposal development, vendor selection activities, and commercial decision-making
• The chance to optimize vendor performance, costs, and operational efficiencies
• Collaboration with international cross-functional teams across clinical research projects
• Performance bonus
• Referral bonus
• Employee engagement programs
• Well-being initiatives
• Training and development program
• Additional location-specific benefits

💼 Qualifications and Experience 

• University degree in Life Sciences, Business Administration, Supply Chain, Procurement, or another relevant field
• Minimum 3 years of experience in vendor management, outsourcing, procurement, supplier management, contracting, or a related function within a CRO, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or healthcare environment
• Experience managing external vendors, suppliers, laboratories, technology providers, or specialty service partners
• Strong negotiation and relationship management skills
• Experience conducting vendor assessments, performance reviews, and supplier evaluations
• Understanding of clinical research processes and outsourced service models is highly desirable
• Knowledge of GxP and applicable regulatory requirements within clinical development is an advantage
• Strong analytical, commercial, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Fluent English, written and verbal
• A proactive mindset, strong sense of ownership, and ability to work independently in a fast-paced international environment

📑 Your responsibilities

• Manage the full vendor lifecycle, including identification, qualification, onboarding, performance monitoring, and offboarding
• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, strategic partners, and service providers supporting clinical trials
• Lead vendor selection activities, including requests for proposals (RFPs), bid evaluations, and supplier assessments
• Monitor vendor performance through KPIs, SLAs, quality metrics, and regular business reviews
• Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure effective vendor oversight and successful project delivery
• Identify and mitigate operational, quality, compliance, financial, and delivery risks associated with outsourced services
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance vendor performance and operational efficiency
• Support cost optimization initiatives and negotiate favorable commercial terms with vendors
• Lead the preparation, review, negotiation, and execution of vendor agreements and related contractual documentation
• Maintain accurate vendor records, performance documentation, and preferred vendor databases
• Support vendor governance activities, issue escalations, CAPA follow-up, and business continuity planning

🌟 You will be successful in this role if you:

• Enjoy building strategic relationships and creating long-term partnerships
• Have a strong commercial mindset and naturally seek opportunities for optimization and improvement
• Can balance business objectives, quality expectations, and operational realities
• Are confident negotiating and influencing stakeholders at different levels
• Thrive in a fast-paced international environment with multiple priorities
• Take ownership of challenges and proactively drive solutions

If you would be interested in joining the Optimapharm team, please send your CV and note that only shortlisted candidates who meet the requirements will be contacted for the further selection process.

Compensation is competitive and final offers will reflect each candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications.

Disclaimer: Unsolicited CVs sent to Optimapharm (Talent Acquisition Team, Hiring Managers or any other OPT employee) by recruitment agencies will not be considered for this role. Optimapharm follows a direct sourcing strategy and collaborates exclusively with selected recruitment partners when external support is required.