Location: Spain, Greece, Serbia or Croatia

Who we are? Optimapharm is a

mid-sized, global Contract Research Organisation (CRO) turning science into hope

through agile, patient-focused clinical development. We specialise in Phase I–IV clinical studies, delivering Full-Service and Functional Service Provision (FSP) solutions that help sponsors move faster and execute with confidence.

With operations in 40+ countries and 2x the patient reach of the average mid-sized CRO, we enable accelerated regulatory pathways, faster study start-up, and access to diverse patient populations worldwide. At Optimapharm, you’ll contribute to meaningful clinical research while growing your career in a dynamic, people‑focused, integral environment.

We're looking for a

Vendor Manager

to join our growing team. You'll lead strategic vendor partnerships that support global clinical trials, driving performance, quality, compliance, and value across our supplier network. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building relationships, negotiating solutions, and influencing business success through effective vendor management.

What do we offer?

Working in a successful company that’s growing and developing every day

Being part of a clinical research team that transforms science into hope for patients

A highly visible role with direct influence on vendor strategy and business operations

The opportunity to manage and develop strategic partnerships across a global supplier network

Exposure to proposal development, vendor selection activities, and commercial decision-making

The chance to optimize vendor performance, costs, and operational efficiencies

Collaboration with international cross-functional teams across clinical research projects

Performance bonus

Referral bonus

Employee engagement programs

Well-being initiatives

Training and development program

Additional location-specific benefits





Who are we looking for? Qualifications and Experience

University degree in Life Sciences, Business Administration, Supply Chain, Procurement, or another relevant field

Minimum 3 years of experience in vendor management, outsourcing, procurement, supplier management, contracting, or a related function within a CRO, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or healthcare environment

Experience managing external vendors, suppliers, laboratories, technology providers, or specialty service partners

Strong negotiation and relationship management skills

Experience conducting vendor assessments, performance reviews, and supplier evaluations

Understanding of clinical research processes and outsourced service models is highly desirable

Knowledge of GxP and applicable regulatory requirements within clinical development is an advantage

Strong analytical, commercial, and problem-solving skills

Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

Fluent English, written and verbal

A proactive mindset, strong sense of ownership, and ability to work independently in a fast-paced international environment

Your responsibilities

Manage the full vendor lifecycle, including identification, qualification, onboarding, performance monitoring, and offboarding

Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, strategic partners, and service providers supporting clinical trials

Lead vendor selection activities, including requests for proposals (RFPs), bid evaluations, and supplier assessments





Monitor vendor performance through KPIs, SLAs, quality metrics, and regular business reviews

Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure effective vendor oversight and successful project delivery

Identify and mitigate operational, quality, compliance, financial, and delivery risks associated with outsourced services

Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance vendor performance and operational efficiency

Support cost optimization initiatives and negotiate favorable commercial terms with vendors

Lead the preparation, review, negotiation, and execution of vendor agreements and related contractual documentation

Maintain accurate vendor records, performance documentation, and preferred vendor databases

Support vendor governance activities, issue escalations, CAPA follow-up, and business continuity planning

You will be successful in this role if you:

Enjoy building strategic relationships and creating long‑term partnerships

Have a strong commercial mindset and naturally seek opportunities for optimization and improvement

Can balance business objectives, quality expectations, and operational realities

Are confident negotiating and influencing stakeholders at different levels

Thrive in a fast‑paced international environment with multiple priorities

Take ownership of challenges and proactively drive solutions

Compensation is competitive and final offers will reflect each candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications.

Disclaimer : Unsolicited CVs sent to Optimapharm (Talent Acquisition Team, Hiring Managers or any other OPT employee) by recruitment agencies will not be considered for this role. Optimapharm follows a direct sourcing strategy and collaborates exclusively with selected recruitment partners when external support is required.

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📌 Vendor Manager (Madrid)
🏢 optimapharm-doo
📍 Madrid