About this role
Who We Are:
At Neurocrine Biosciences, we pride ourselves on having a strong, inclusive, and positive culture based on our shared purpose and values. We know what it takes to be great, and we are as passionate about our people as we are about our purpose - to relieve suffering for people with great needs.
What We Do:
Neurocrine Biosciences is a leading neuroscience-focused, biopharmaceutical company with a simple purpose: to relieve suffering for people with great needs. We are dedicated to discovering and developing life-changing treatments for patients with under-addressed neurological, neuroendocrine and neuropsychiatric disorders. The company's diverse portfolio includes FDA-approved treatments for tardive dyskinesia, chorea associated with Huntington's disease, classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, endometriosis* and uterine fibroids,* as well as a robust pipeline including multiple compounds in mid- to late-phase clinical development across our core therapeutic areas. For three decades, we have applied our unique insight into neuroscience and the interconnections between brain and body systems to treat complex conditions. We relentlessly pursue medicines to ease the burden of debilitating diseases and disorders because you deserve brave science. For more information, visit neurocrine.com, and follow the company on LinkedIn, X and Facebook. (*in collaboration with AbbVie)
About the Role:
The Senior Specialist, External Development – API supports the management, coordination, and performance oversight of external suppliers within the Technical Operations organization. This role contributes to the execution of supplier strategies across a global network of CMOs, CDMOs, raw material suppliers, and service providers supporting development, manufacturing, testing, and supply activities.The Senior Specialist partners cross-functionally with API Development, Pharmaceutical Development, and Quality, to ensure external partners are effectively engaged, aligned with program needs, and operating in accordance with technical, quality, and business requirements. This individual plays a key role in day-to-day supplier management, issue resolution, and execution of outsourcing strategies.
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Your Contributions (include, but are not limited to):
External Supplier Management & Governance
Support execution of supplier management strategies across Technical Operations
Participate in supplier governance activities, including routine business/development reviews, performance tracking, and communication frameworks
Ensure alignment of external suppliers with program timelines, technical requirements, and supply needs
Serve as a primary or supporting point of contact for assigned external suppliers
Maintain effective working relationships with external partners to support program execution
Manufacturing Strategy & Execution
Contribute to implementation of external manufacturing strategies aligned with development needs
Support coordination of activities with external manufacturing organizations to ensure timely and compliant delivery
Participate in supply planning and capacity discussions with internal stakeholders and external partners
Supplier Performance & Relationship Management
Manage day-to-day activities for assigned suppliers, including tracking deliverables, timelines, and issue resolution
Coordinate cross-functional teams and external partners to address operational challenges and maintain project execution
Monitor supplier performance using KPIs (quality, delivery, cost) and escalate issues as appropriate
Support preparation and execution of periodic business and performance review meetings
Assist in maintaining productive working relationships with supplier counterparts
Negotiations & Contract Support
Support contract-related activities including scope definition, change orders, and amendments in collaboration with senior team members
Assist in RFP preparation, bid evaluation, and supplier selection processes
Contribute to discussions on pricing, timelines, and service expectations
Outsourcing Execution & Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with Technical and Quality teams to support supplier onboarding and lifecycle management
Participate in supplier evaluations and site assessment activities as needed
Facilitate communication and alignment between internal stakeholders and external partners
Quality, Compliance & Risk Management
Ensure assigned suppliers operate in compliance with applicable GMP/GxP and regulatory requirements
Partner with Quality to support audits, quality events, and issue resolution
Identify and communicate potential risks related to supply, compliance, or performance, and support mitigation activities
Financial & Operational Support
Support tracking and monitoring of external supplier spend and budgets
Assist in evaluating cost drivers, scope changes, and financial impacts of outsourcing activities
Contribute to cost optimization efforts while maintaining quality and supply continuity
Process Improvement & Scalability
Contribute to the development and improvement of supplier management processes, tools, and templates
Support continuous improvement initiatives related to outsourcing and supplier performance
Help implement standardized practices across the external network
Market Awareness
Maintain awareness of the external manufacturing landscape, including CDMOs and supplier capabilities
Monitor industry trends, capacity considerations, and emerging technologies relevant to API development and manufacturing
Support internal discussions with relevant market insights
Other Responsibilities
Perform additional duties as assigned in support of Technical Operations and organizational objectives
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field; advanced degree (MS/MBA) preferred
Typically 5–8 years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical/biotech development, manufacturing, or external/vendor management
Demonstrated experience managing external suppliers (CMOs/CDMOs) or complex cross-functional projects
Strong understanding of API development, manufacturing, and GMP/GxP requirements
Experience with supplier performance management, project management, or outsourcing models preferred
The pay you should reasonably expect to receive is $53.27 - $77.21 per hour. Decisions depend on various factors, such as primary work location, complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills.
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Neurocrine Biosciences is an EEO/Disability/Vets employer.
We are committed to building a workplace of belonging, respect, and empowerment, and we recognize there are a variety of ways to meet our requirements. We are looking for the best candidate for the job and encourage you to apply even if your experience or qualifications don’t line up to exactly what we have outlined in the job description.
About Neurocrine Biosciences
Biopharmaceutical company developing therapies for neurological and endocrine disorders. Headquartered in San Diego, CA.
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