Job description
Why Join Us?
Be a hero for our rare disease patients
At Ultragenyx, we fundamentally believe that taking real impactful action to care for the needs of patients and our people is always the right thing to do. To achieve this goal, our vision is to lead the future of rare disease medicine. For us, this means going where other biopharma companies won’t go – challenging the status quo and creating a new model that advances our field so more patients and caregivers can benefit from life-changing treatments. We do this by following the science, applying a novel rapid development approach, making innovative medicines at fair and reasonable prices, and creating a collaborative ecosystem to reach patients in ways that are most meaningful for them.
Our commitment and care for patients extends to our people, so culture is an essential cornerstone for Ultragenyx. We remain continuously focused on creating a supportive and inclusive environment of profound learning and growth – so employees can thrive in all areas of their lives, in and outside of work. Ultimately, we want to be an organization where we would be proud for our family, friends and children to work.
If you want to have a meaningful impact, do the best work of your career, and grow a lot, both professionally and personally, come join our team .
Position Summary:
ultra focused – Work together to fearlessly uncover new possibilities
Ultragenyx is seeking a visionary and strategic leader to serve as Vice President, Development Outsourcing, responsible for designing and operationalizing a future-focused outsourcing model that meets the unique and evolving needs of a rapidly growing rare disease company. This executive will define and drive a holistic outsourcing strategy that enhances speed, quality, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness across the Development portfolio. As a key member of the Development Leadership team, this individual will shape a dynamic function that integrates innovative sourcing models, fosters and manages strategic partnerships, and delivers measurable value. This leader will inspire and develop a high-performing team, create enterprise-wide alignment, and champion a culture of performance, accountability, and continuous improvement. Reporting to the SVP of Development Operations, the candidate will collaborate to set the vision, define the strategy, and develop and enhance the standards, processes, and tools utilized by the function and its internal and external partners. This Leader will partner closely with Finance organization leaders to ensure alignment with overall business objectives and financial goals.
Work Model:
Remote: Officially documented as working full-time from home, with travel to Ultragenyx’s offices or other locations on occasion as needed.
Responsibilities:
Set the Vision and Strategy
- Establish a compelling long-term vision and innovative sourcing strategy for Development Outsourcing that aligns with Ultragenyx’s strategic objectives and unique business model.
- Partner across the business to define short- and long-term vision and strategic plan for outsourcing that aligns with business goals and delivery of the portfolio.
- Drive collaboration and partnership across the business to achieve unified outsourcing oversight and governance.
- Stay at the forefront of industry trends and best practices. Continuously evolve the outsourcing strategy to enable innovation, scalability, and competitive advantage.
Architect a Fit-for-Purpose Model
- Design and evolve a flexible, scalable, and globally enabled outsourcing model that supports current and future needs across clinical development, ensuring fit-for-purpose resourcing, governance, and vendor collaboration.
- Drive internal and external partnership to achieve highly functional vendor partnerships.
Lead a High Impact Team
- Inspire, engage, and develop a high-performing team responsible for vendor sourcing, governance, financial oversight of contracts, and relationship management. Cultivate a culture of excellence, empowerment, and continuous improvement.
- Lead team responsible for vendor sourcing strategy and execute Request-for-Information (RFI) and/or Request-for-Proposal (RFP) activities for services such as CROs, central laboratories, data management, bioanalytical services, home health, etc.
- Lead team responsible for negotiation of all services and terms, including master agreements, scope of work, rate cards, payment terms, change orders, etc.
- Lead team responsible for vendor governance, management, metrics and gxp compliance to enable effective collaboration and proactive issue resolution.
Optimize Strategic Partnerships
- Oversee high-value negotiations for master service agreements, scopes of work, rate cards, and change orders. Ensure contracts reflect strategic priorities, optimized pricing structures, and strong risk management.
- Establish performance related measures for vendors that ensure effective performance.
Elevate Financial Rigor and Oversight
- Partner with Finance to ensure robust forecasting for vendor contract financials, alignment with budgeting, and reconciliation with study-level financial reviews.
- Lead clinical study teams and key stakeholders through comprehensive vendor contact related monthly study financial reviews, and support budget/LRP forecasting and quarterly updates.
- Lead clinical vendor contract related financial process standardization, optimization, communication, and documentation initiatives.
- Establish and execute on strategies for annual cost saving goals, and periodically report results to senior management.
Drive Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate closely with Development functions, Finance, Global Procurement, Legal, QA, and other relevant functions.
- Proactively report progress and impact to senior leadership, demonstrating ROI and alignment with corporate goals.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Business and an MBA or equivalent degree preferred.
- 15+ years of relevant biotech/pharma work experience in a Procurement, Outsourcing, or similar Finance role that requires strategic and tactical business support.
- 10+ years of experience directly negotiating full scope CRO agreements at task and resource by region level and/or building CRO resourcing models.
- 8+ years people management experience preferred.
- Superior communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills to frame decisions for senior management and drive optimized decision-making.
- Demonstrated ability to be a strong business partner with high-energy and a hands-on approach.
- Financial systems fluency & versatility with a passion for delivering the right data in the right format to inform optimal decision-making.
- Able to thrive in a very fast-paced environment and be assertive when needed.
- Exceptional strategic thinking, influence, and communication skills, with the ability to navigate complex cross-functional landscapes and drive enterprise alignment.
- Versatility, flexibility, and willingness to adapt job responsibilities as required to meet the demands and opportunities of a rapidly growing company.
- Deep understanding of clinical development, outsourcing financials, vendor oversight, and governance best practices.
- Adept at using data to inform decisions, monitor performance, and drive improvements.
- High-energy, collaborative leader who thrives in dynamic, high-growth settings and inspires excellence in others.
- Travel required approximately 30% #LI-CS1 #LI-Remote
The typical annual salary range for this full-time position is listed below. This range reflects the characteristics of the job, such as required skills and qualifications and is based on the office location noted in this job posting. The range may also be adjusted based on applicant’s geographic location.
This position is eligible for annual bonus and equity incentives. Actual individual pay is determined by demonstrated experience and internal equity alignment.
Pay Range
$299,500—$369,900 USD
Full Time employees across the globe enjoy a range of benefits, including, but not limited to:
· Generous vacation time and public holidays observed by the company
· Volunteer days
· Long term incentive and Employee stock purchase plans or equivalent offerings
· Employee wellbeing benefits
· Fitness reimbursement
· Tuition sponsoring
· Professional development plans
\* Benefits vary by region and country
Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin/ancestry, age, disability, marital and veteran status, and any other status or classification protected by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. Reasonable accommodation will be provided for all protected statuses or classifications protected by applicable law, including individuals with disabilities, disabled veterans, for pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, and based on sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants can request an accommodation prior to accepting a job offer. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, or in any part of the recruitment process, you may contact Talent Acquisition by emailing us at [email protected] .
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It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Note to External Recruiters: All candidate activity and open positions are managed strictly through our Human Resources Department. Our Human Resources Department kindly requests that recruiters not contact employees/hiring managers directly in an attempt to solicit business and present candidates. Please note that failure to comply with this request will be a factor in determining a professional relationship with our organization. Submission of unsolicited resumes prior to an agreement set in place between the Human Resources Department and the recruiting agency will not create any implied obligation. Inquiries on developing a recruiting relationship with us, may be directed to : [email protected] .
