Associate Director, Vendor Relationship and Performance Management

Job description

At Gilead, we’re creating a healthier world for all people. For more than 35 years, we’ve tackled diseases such as HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19 and cancer – working relentlessly to develop therapies that help improve lives and to ensure access to these therapies across the globe. We continue to fight against the world’s biggest health challenges, and our mission requires collaboration, determination and a relentless drive to make a difference. Every member of Gilead’s team plays a critical role in the discovery and development of life-changing scientific innovations. Our employees are our greatest asset as we work to achieve our bold ambitions, and we’re looking for the next wave of passionate and ambitious people ready to make a direct impact. We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader now or in the future, you are the key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed and empowered to fulfil their aspirations. Join Gilead and help create possible, together. Job Description We are seeking an experienced Associate Director of Vendor Performance Management within Development Operations. This role contributes to the effective management of vendor performance across the clinical development lifecycle, including performance analytics, issue trending, escalation support, and delivery of performance improvement activities for assigned vendors. The Associate Director partners closely with internal development teams and external vendor contacts to support performance transparency, operational follow-through, and data-driven decision-making across a complex outsourced ecosystem. Core responsibilities: The Associate Director, Vendor Relationship and Performance Management is responsible for managing key vendor performance activities and contributing to the delivery of vendor performance management processes across Development Operations. Core responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: Manage and support vendor performance management activities across assigned outsourced service areas within Development Operations, helping ensure alignment with delivery expectations and business priorities. Contribute to the maintenance and application of vendor performance management frameworks, including performance metrics, issue management practices, escalation pathways, and performance improvement approaches. Support the development, maintenance, and ongoing optimization of departmental performance management tools and systems, including the KPI dashboard and the Vendor Issue Management System, with attention to data quality, relevance, and usability. Prepare and deliver performance analytics and reporting for the assigned vendor base, translating performance data into actionable insights to support governance discussions and continuous improvement activities. Partner with cross-functional development stakeholders to identify vendor performance risks, gaps, and trends; assess potential business impact; and support the development and execution of performance improvement plans. Coordinate and support vendor performance governance and escalation processes, preparing materials, tracking follow-up actions, and helping drive timely resolution of operational and portfolio-level issues. Provide clear, decision-ready insights and recommendations to internal stakeholders and vendor partners based on analysis of performance data, issue trends, and operational inputs. Contribute to the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of vendor performance management processes, standards, and ways of working across the Development organization. Support training, knowledge sharing, and adoption of vendor performance management best practices across teams. Manage or contribute to cross-functional initiatives related to vendor performance and governance, engaging stakeholders across Development Operations and partner functions to deliver agreed outcomes. Support the use of analytics and AI-enabled tools to enhance vendor performance insights, reduce manual analysis where appropriate, and strengthen proactive, data-driven governance. Core Competencies & Behavioral Attributes Demonstrates Boldness in Aspiration & Agility in Execution Applies a broad business mindset to vendor performance activities, balancing practical execution with awareness of Development priorities and delivery expectations. Identifies trends, risks, and opportunities within clinical development outsourcing and adapts plans and priorities to support evolving business needs. Cares and Makes Time for People Builds respectful and productive working relationships with internal teams and external vendor partners. Demonstrates empathy, professionalism, and accountability when working through performance expectations, operational challenges, and follow-up actions. Listens, Speaks Openly, and Explains the “Why” Communicates clearly and professionally, presenting performance insights, risks, and recommendations in a way that supports stakeholder understanding and decision-making. Actively listens to diverse perspectives and synthesizes inputs into clear, data-driven summaries, reports, and discussion materials. Trusts Others and Empowers Sound Decision Making Works effectively through collaboration and influence, helping cross-functional teams and vendor partners align on performance expectations and follow-through. Supports clarity in roles, expectations, and action ownership within governance and escalation activities. Owns the Impact of Decisions and Outcomes Takes ownership of assigned vendor performance activities and deliverables, ensuring work is completed with quality, timeliness, and appropriate stakeholder engagement. Demonstrates sound judgement in navigating performance issues, balancing operational needs, business impact, and partnership considerations. Ensures clear follow-through on issues, actions, and deliverables by tracking ownership, documenting outcomes, and supporting timely resolution. Contributes Through Insight, Innovation, and Continuous Improvement Applies strong analytical and systems-thinking capabilities, using performance data, analytics, and emerging technologies to generate actionable insights. Contributes to continuous improvement and innovation by identifying opportunities to enhance vendor performance processes, tools, and ways of working. Core skills Business Acumen: Understands how vendor performance and governance activities support Development objectives and delivery expectations. Collaboration & Influence: Builds strong relationships and supports alignment across internal stakeholders and vendor contacts. Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Applies critical thinking and data-driven analysis to identify risks, trends, and improvement opportunities. Project and Deliverable Management: Manages timelines, inputs, actions, and deliverables to support high-quality execution. Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced, complex environment with shifting priorities. Accountability & Judgement: Takes ownership of assigned work, follows through on commitments, and escalates appropriately when needed. Communication: Demonstrates clear oral and written communication, including the ability to prepare concise materials for governance and stakeholder discussions. Continuous Improvement Mindset: Identifies and supports opportunities to enhance processes and ways of working. Basic Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree and Ten Years’ Experience OR Masters' Degree and Eight Years’ Experience OR PhD and Two Years’ Experience Preferred Qualifications and Experience: BA/BS in life sciences or related field, with 8+ years of relevant experience in vendor performance, vendor relationship management, clinical operations, or a related function within the biotech or pharmaceutical ind