Senior Director, Supply Chain

Overview

Fate Therapeutics is currently seeking a strategic and results-driven Senior Director, Supply Chain to lead end-to-end supply chain operations for our clinical programs. This role will oversee planning, procurement, warehousing and logistics, and global distribution, ensuring critical therapies reach patients on time. The successful candidate will drive cross-functional collaboration, process improvement, and data-driven solutions while leading a high-performing team. The ideal candidate has deep experience in GMP-regulated supply chains, a track record of strategic leadership, and a passion for optimizing operations in a fast-paced biotech environment.

This is a full-time, exempt position located at our corporate headquarters in San Diego, California.

• Lead end-to-end supply chain strategy and operations for Fate’s clinical assets, including planning, procurement, warehousing, and logistics.
• Oversee day-to-day management of the company’s supply chain, logistics and inventory levels to ensure continuity of supply while optimizing cost, quality, and delivery for internal and external stakeholder satisfaction.
• Strong knowledge and experience with cGMP operations for pharmaceutical products, end-to-end supply chain forecasting and supporting global product launches.
• Lead and develop a high-performing procurement and supply chain team, driving effective supplier management, contract negotiations, procurement operations, and compliance with GxP and company policies.
• Oversee forecasting, demand planning, supply strategy, packaging, labeling, and global distribution for clinical programs (Phases 1–4).
• Ensure availability of raw materials, consumables and materials to support GMP production and R&D activities and timelines.
• Proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks; ensure robust scenario planning and contingencies, and drive rapid resolution of supply disruptions, capacity constraints, or logistics challenges.
• Collaborate with site leadership to drive outcomes and cross-functional triage, escalation, and problem-solving to unplanned events during supply chain processes.
• Ensure supply chain procedures and teams are inspection- and audit-ready; can serve as the SME during audits.
• Lead SOP development and governance for consistency, quality, and scalability.
• Drive standardization and end-to-end process mapping to support scalability and operational maturity, and to optimize speed and accuracy.
• Champion digital transformation, continuous improvement, and data-driven initiatives, including shipment tracking, forecasting tools, supply visibility platforms, automation, and analytics.
• Develop and implement standard planning processes, tools, and best practices for supply and demand modeling, and risk identification scenario planning.
• Stay current on industry trends and developments in supply chain management, and make recommendations for incorporating new technologies and processes.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement through effective project management and identification of opportunities to drive efficiencies.
• Develop industry-standard data flows from demand development to production release supporting forecasting and budgeting efforts.
• Establish and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to focus the team on key priorities and oversee continuous improvement.
• Manage international shipments requiring customs paperwork for worldwide shipment of investigational products (IP) and ancillary supplies; coordinate with international Qualified Person for release of IP for use.

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree with 12+ years of relevant supply chain planning and management experience in biotech or pharmaceutical industry, including global experience.
• Demonstrated success in clinical and commercial drug supply chain management.
• Deep understanding of regulatory and technical influences and ability to assess business and financial implications of decisions.
• Proven leadership experience building and developing high performing teams and guiding organizations during periods of rapid growth or transformation.
• Proficiency in ERP software, specializing in end-to-end Planning, Purchasing,…