Associate Director, CDMO Alliance Management

Position Summary

The Associate Director, CDMO Alliance Management, Global External Manufacturing (GEM) will serve as Otsuka’s representative and business partner toward our network of Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs). This leader is responsible for the end-to-end lifecycle of partner management—from initial selection and complex contract negotiations to long-term strategic relationship building. The Associate Director ensures that the external manufacturing network is high-performing, risk-resilient, and fully aligned with Otsuka’s strategic business objectives.

Day to day responsibilities include building and maintaining relationships with key external partners, coordinating cross-functional collaboration with internal teams, and aligning partnership initiatives.

• Serve as the central point of contact and business partner for CDMOs, ensuring alignment between partner actions and company goals.
• Contract Negotiation to structure agreements, manage terms, and collaborate with legal and internal stakeholders.
• Standardize Governance and Business Review structure with CDMO executive leadership to ensure long-term collaboration.

• Define, set, and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to hold CDMOs accountable for delivery and quality.
• Support comprehensive risk assessments focused on stable supply chains and quality assurance at partner sites.
• Facilitate discussions and drive the implementation of improvement measures based on KPI performance data and identified risks.
• Conduct business-side assessments during GMP audits led by the Quality Team to ensure commercial and operational viability.

• Support the internal decision-making process regarding new CDMO selections and major capital investments.
• Act as the lead for cross-departmental coordination when major incidents occur, ensuring rapid resolution while daily operations remain with functional teams.
• Collaborate with internal departments to identify supply risks stemming from regulatory shifts, demand volatility, or manufacturing deviations, and lead the execution of countermeasures at the CDMO level.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering, Business, or a related field (MBA or advanced degree preferred).
• Professional
  
  Experience:
  
  8-12+ years of experience in alliance management, strategic sourcing, or external manufacturing within the pharmaceutical or biotech industry.
• Strategic
  
  Soft Skills:
  
  Proven ability to influence and collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders in a complex, matrixed organization.
• Operational Excellence:
  Strong background in risk management, business continuity planning, and performance analytics (KPIs).
• Communication:
  Exceptional negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to navigate sensitive partner relationships and internal executive reporting.
• Proven ability to work with international colleagues.
• Knowledge of CDMO landscape and manufacturing processes across one or multiple modalities (e.g., small molecule, biologics, sterile fill-finish, etc.).
• Thorough knowledge of GMPs (CFR title 21, parts 210-211 and Part 600), along with EU, MHRA and other global health authority regulations.
• Strong, proven supplier relationship management skills. Negotiation and contract management skills a plus

Accountability for Results - Stay focused on key strategic objectives, be accountable for high standards of performance, and take an active role in leading change.

Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving - Make decisions considering the long-term impact to customers, patients, employees, and the business.

Patient & Customer Centricity - Maintain an ongoing focus on the needs of our customers and/or key stakeholders.

Impactful Communication - Communicate with logic, clarity, and respect. Influence at all levels to achieve the best results for Otsuka.

Respectful Collaboration - Seek and value others’ perspectives and strive for diverse partnerships to enhance work toward common goals.

Empowered Development - Play an active role in…