Vice President, Global Development Outsourcing and External Partnerships

Position Summary:

ultrafocused – Work together to fearlessly uncover new possibilities

Ultragenyx is seeking a visionary and strategic leader to serve as Vice President, Global Development Outsourcing and External Partnerships, 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-DNI