Director, Procurement Strategic Contract Negotiator

Position

We are seeking a highly skilled and commercially minded Strategic Contract Negotiator to join our company at this critical stage of growth. This role will serve as a key business partner across Clinical Development, Clinical Operations, Manufacturing, Medical Affairs, and several other support functions. The successful candidate will lead the negotiation of complex agreements that support our late‑stage pipeline, bringing expertise in biotech‑relevant contracts—particularly with CROs, CMOs, laboratories, and other strategic suppliers—in a fast‑paced, resource‑conscious environment.

The role will be hired at the Associate Director or Director level, based on experience, scope, and leadership capability.

• Lead end‑to‑end contract negotiation strategy and execution for a wide range of procurement agreements, including:
  • CRO and clinical service agreements
  • CMO and manufacturing agreements
  • Laboratory, data, and technology service contracts
  • Consulting, professional services, and master service agreements MSAs/SOWs)
• Partner closely with Finance and Legal to ensure contracts appropriately balance risk, compliance, and commercial objectives while meeting company standards.
• Act as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders, providing commercial guidance on pricing models, payment structures, risk allocation, and contract terms.
• Drive negotiations that optimize cost, flexibility, and performance, while maintaining strong, long‑term vendor relationships.
• Support development and refinement of procurement and contracting processes, templates, playbooks, and negotiation best practices appropriate for a growing biotech.
• Track and manage contract lifecycle activities, including renewals, amendments, change orders, and escalations.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, process efficiency, and risk mitigation across the vendor portfolio.
• Provide mentorship, strategic leadership, and contribute to longer‑term procurement strategy and vendor governance.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA, or equivalent) a plus.
• 10‑12+ years of experience in contract negotiation, strategic sourcing, or procurement, preferably within biotech, pharma, or life sciences.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating complex, high‑value agreements with CROs, CMOs, and other clinical‑stage vendors.
• Strong understanding of common biotech contracting structures, current market trends, pricing models, and risk‑sharing mechanisms.
• Proven ability to influence and partner with senior stakeholders across functions.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Comfortable operating in a lean, fast‑moving environment with limited infrastructure.

• Experience supporting clinical‑stage programs (Phase I–III).
• Familiarity with Bay Area biotech vendor ecosystem.
• Prior experience scaling procurement or contracting processes in a growing organization.

$194,900 - $217,000

Annexon Biosciences is located in Brisbane, California and preference is given to candidates in the San Francisco Bay Area.

• A stimulating and rewarding workplace includes flexible work schedules, remote opportunities and the ability to achieve a work‑life balance.
• Shuttle service from BART, Cal Train and the Ferry.
• Annexon offers a competitive base salary and equity participation, employee stock purchase plan, as well as a comprehensive health benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401(k), flexible spending plans, and other benefits.

Annexon Biosciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. We are committed to fostering an environment where all people are welcome and supported. We cultivate a culture of inclusion for all employees that respects their individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe that our differences enable us to be a better team – one that makes better decisions, drives innovation, and delivers better business results.

Creativity and innovation flourish in an environment of openness, inclusion, and mutual respect.