Executive Director, Head of Strategic Sourcing

Role Summary

Ionis is seeking a dynamic, experienced, and visionary leader to establish and lead our Strategic Sourcing function. This role is responsible for executing a strategic sourcing roadmap and operating model aligned with Ionis’ values, culture, and strategic objectives. The ideal candidate will bring deep procurement expertise, demonstrated change leadership, and a passion for building high-performing teams. The position focuses on transforming from decentralized, department-driven procurement to an enterprise-wide strategic sourcing approach, with visibility and stakeholder influence.

Ideally located at our corporate headquarters in Carlsbad, California.

• Strategic Leadership
  • Execute a comprehensive sourcing strategy aligned with company goals.
  • Drive the transformation of the procurement operating model to support scalable, efficient operations.
• Organizational Design & Team Development
  • Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing Strategic Sourcing team in line with the Strategic Sourcing roadmap.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Change Management
  • Partner with leaders across departments to understand business needs and gain sponsorship.
  • Guide the organization through procurement transformation—moving from decentralized processes to a hybrid model between Strategic Sourcing and the business owners, and align stakeholders around a center-led sourcing model.
• Category & Supplier Management
  • Lead the development and establishment of category strategies and support supplier selection processes, contracting to ensure value creation and risk mitigation.
  • Manage supplier relationships and performance in partnership with business owners, enabling innovation and continuous improvement.
• Technology Enablement & Optimization
  • Lead the evaluation, implementation, and optimization of sourcing/procurement technologies (e.g., e-sourcing tools, contract lifecycle management, spend analytics).
  • Ensure technology solutions are effectively integrated into sourcing operations to drive efficiency, transparency, and data-driven decision-making.
• Risk, Compliance & Governance
  • Ensure adherence to legal, regulatory, and ethical procurement standards.
  • Embed risk review and escalation into sourcing processes.
• Operational Excellence
  • Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor sourcing effectiveness and efficiency.
  • Implement policies, processes, and systems to support sustainable sourcing operations.

• At least 10 years of progressive procurement and sourcing leadership experience, including direct and indirect categories.
• Proven success building procurement organizations and delivering business value through sourcing strategies. Experience establishing strategic sourcing processes in a scaling biotech or mid-cap pharma environment preferred.
• Deep expertise in category management, complex contract negotiations, and supplier performance management.
• Demonstrated experience driving procurement transformation and leading change in a matrixed environment.
• Strong track record within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and influencing skills.
• High integrity and a commitment to ethical sourcing practices.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic organization.