Vendor Management Lead

On behalf of our Client a global pharmaceutical company, IQVIA is looking for Vendor Management Lead, Drug Development.

The profile will be responsible for selection, contracting, oversight, and performance management of external vendors and collaborators based in Italy, supporting clinical development. External vendors include CROs, CMOs, central labs and bioanalytical labs. External collaborators include academic and clinical researchers. This role works cross-functionally with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that Italy-based vendors and collaborators deliver high-quality, timely, and cost-effective services that align with clinical, CMC, and regulatory requirements.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Work with. internal and external stakeholders as a cross functional representative across clinical, regulatory, project mangment and other functional areas advancing activities in Italy, other European countries, and potentially other regions.
• Identify and assess CROs, CMOs, central labs, specialty vendors, and other service providers.
• Lead the RFI (Request for Information) and RFP (Request for Proposal) process, evaluating vendors based on capabilities, compliance, cost, and timelines.
• Oversee site selection, recruitment, and monitoring activities for clinical trials within Italy.
• Work closely with quality teams to ensure vendor compliance with GCP, GMP, GLP, and ICH guidelines, as well as company policies.
• Manage external service providers, including Contract Research Organizations (CROs), vendors, and clinical trial sites, ensuring all deliverables are met.
• Work cross-functionally to ensure seamless vendor integration into drug development programs
• Facilitate inter-vendor processes, such as transfers of materials and data
• Work with Program Management to facilitate development and management of budgets and timelines, adjusting as necessary to meet operational needs.
• Track and report on vendor budget, progress, Key performance indicators, and other key metrics to senior leadership.
• Implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) when performance gaps occur.
• Work with finance teams to review purchase orders, invoice approvals, and financial reconciliation
• Provide vendor-related insights for regulatory submissions (IND, CTA, NDA/BLA) and inspection readiness
• Represent the company at vendor meetings and conferences as needed.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, or a related field. Advanced degree (e.g., Master's or PhD) preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years of clinical operational experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical device industry, with at least 2 years in a vendor-management capacity.
• Experience managing CROs, CMOs, bioanalytical labs, central labs, and clinical technology vendors.
• Understanding of clinical trial design, execution, and regulatory requirements (e.g., GCP, ICH, FDA, EMA).
• Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills.
• Fluency in English and Italian (both written and spoken).

Additional Skills & Competencies:
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Ability to solve problems proactively and collaborate across functional areas.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with both internaland external stakeholders.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, including the use of modern technology to facilitate communication and organization
• Proficiency with clinical trial management systems (CTMS) and Microsoft Office

Suite.

Employment Requirements in Italy:
• Ability to work under an open-ended, starting with part-time or potentially full-time contract (contratto a tempo indeterminato) or fixed-term contract (contratto a tempo determinato), depending on the needs of the company.
• Benefits:
• Competitive salary package, commensurate with experience.
• Health insurance and pension contributions.
• Annual paid time off (vacation days) and public holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Flexible working arrangements (subject to company policies)

We offer:

• Competitive salary package, commensurate with experience.

• Starting with a temporary contract 1 year

IQVIA reserves the right to evaluate candidates with domicile / residence and work experience / study with requirements responding to the open request. Applications WITHOUT the requirements Will NOT be fully taken into account. Please enter the authorization for the processing of personal data (DL196/2003) - General Data Protection Regulation (13 GDPR 679/16 -) to IQVIA and to transfer those data to IQVIA's Clients. The research is urgent and is intended for candidates of both sexes (L.903/77).