Vendor Scoping Lead

Job Overview

The Vendor Scoping Lead is responsible for leading the end-to-end vendor scoping, budgeting, and outsourcing strategy process across clinical development programs. This role partners closely with Clinical Operations, Compound Operational Leads (COLs), Study Teams, Procurement, Finance, and external service providers to ensure accurate study cost forecasting, competitive vendor selection, and timely governance approvals.

The Vendor Scoping Lead plays a critical role in optimizing study delivery by balancing quality, timelines, and cost considerations while ensuring alignment with organizational outsourcing strategies and business objectives. The position requires strong expertise in clinical trial budgeting, financial modeling, vendor negotiations, and outsourcing governance across global clinical development programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end vendor scoping, budgeting, and outsourcing activities for global and regional clinical development programs.
• Partner with study teams and key stakeholders to identify outsourcing requirements and develop fit-for-purpose vendor engagement strategies.
• Develop, review, and optimize study budgets, ensuring accuracy, competitiveness, and alignment with program objectives.
• Prepare cost scenarios, budget comparisons, and financial analyses to support governance discussions and decision-making.
• Lead vendor budget negotiations and commercial discussions to achieve optimal value while maintaining quality and delivery standards.
• Coordinate and support the preparation of Requests for Proposal (RFPs), bid evaluations, and vendor selection activities.
• Evaluate vendor proposals, challenge assumptions, benchmark costs, and identify opportunities for budget optimization.
• Collaborate with Procurement and Contract Services teams to ensure seamless transition from approved scope and budget to executed agreements.
• Support study teams through governance review processes by preparing clear scoping documentation, financial analyses, and recommendation packages.
• Monitor alignment between approved study scope, vendor proposals, and contractual commitments.
• Contribute to the evaluation and management of preferred vendor relationships and strategic outsourcing partnerships.
• Maintain awareness of market trends, vendor capabilities, outsourcing models, and industry benchmarking data.
• Ensure appropriate balance between cost, timelines, quality, and operational feasibility throughout the vendor scoping process.
• Act as a key point of contact between internal stakeholders and external service providers during planning and start-up phases.

Qualifications

Required Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Business Administration, Finance, Supply Chain, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, CRO, or clinical research environments.
• At least 4 years of direct experience in clinical operations, vendor management, outsourcing, procurement, strategic sourcing, financial planning, or study budgeting.
• Demonstrated experience supporting vendor selection, RFP management, scope development, and contract budgeting activities.
• Experience negotiating budgets and commercial terms with CROs, central laboratories, clinical technology vendors, and other clinical service providers.
• Strong understanding of clinical trial outsourcing models, governance structures, and drug development processes.
• Experience preparing business cases, governance materials, and financial analyses for senior stakeholders.
• Knowledge of clinical development across multiple phases and therapeutic areas is preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong clinical trial budgeting and financial management expertise.
• Advanced cost modelling, forecasting, and scenario analysis skills.
• Ability to evaluate vendor proposals and translate operational needs into appropriate outsourcing scope.
• Strong negotiation and influencing capabilities.
• Excellent business acumen and commercial mindset.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to balance cost, quality, risk, and timelines when making recommendations.
• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Demonstrated accountability, results orientation, agility, and continuous improvement mindset.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including advanced Excel skills.
• Fluency in written and spoken English; additional languages are advantageous.

Preferred Background

Candidates may come from roles such as:

• Vendor Scoping Lead
• Clinical Vendor Manager
• Outsourcing Manager
• Strategic Sourcing Manager, Clinical Development
• Clinical Procurement Manager
• Clinical Finance Manager
• Clinical Operations Manager
• Vendor Relationship Manager
• Clinical Trial Budget Manager
• Study Start-Up and Outsourcing Lead

This position offers the opportunity to influence the financial and operational success of global clinical development programs through strategic vendor engagement, robust budgeting practices, and effective outsourcing leadership.

IQVIA is a leading global provider of clinical research services, commercial insights and healthcare intelligence to the life sciences and healthcare industries. We create intelligent connections to accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative medical treatments to help improve patient outcomes and population health worldwide. Learn more at https://jobs.iqvia.com

IQVIA is committed to integrity in our hiring process and maintains a zero tolerance policy for candidate fraud. All information and credentials submitted in your application must be truthful and complete. Any false statements, misrepresentations, or material omissions during the recruitment process will result in immediate disqualification of your application, or termination of employment if discovered later, in accordance with applicable law. We appreciate your honesty and professionalism.