Director, Commercial Strategic Sourcing

Job Overview

The Director of Commercial Strategic Sourcing will lead and manage all aspects of commercial strategic sourcing and procurement services operations for Otsuka USA. The director owns the sourcing process for Media Planning & Buying, Marketing Agencies, Trade Shows, Market Research, Patient Support, and Promotions and partners with executive leadership, financial planning teams, and regional stakeholders across the organization to drive value, cost optimization, and risk reduction.

• Develop and execute the overall sourcing strategy and category management practice for commercial pharmaceutical procurement.
• Partner with the Executive Leadership Team and business owners to create a sourcing vision that aligns with business needs and financial objectives.
• Lead a high‑performing team of 4‑5 strategic sourcing professionals and drive continuous improvement across all sourcing projects.
• Own category management and sourcing policies, processes, and systems; monitor compliance and report findings to ELT.
• Negotiate high‑impact contracts (often >$100 M) and ensure alignment with Otsuka’s strategic vision.
• Identify 10‑15 % annual savings opportunities within scope spend and deliver measurable financial impact.
• Maintain best practices in spend analysis, RFx templates, preferred supplier programs, and contract management.
• Provide regular performance reporting and insights to business stakeholders and ELT.
• Drive training and change management initiatives to embed sourcing best practices across the organization.

• 10+ years of strategic sourcing or procurement experience in the pharmaceutical commercial space.
• Minimum 5 years of deep category knowledge in pharmaceutical commercial procurement.
• Experience leading and developing a strategic sourcing team.
• Worked with senior level clients and vendors; skilled at negotiations that deliver maximum value.
• Demonstrated ability to develop procurement strategies that maximize efficiency and minimize cost.
• Strong understanding of key pharmaceutical spend categories and of financial & operational controls in sourcing.
• Experience collaborating with FP&A, finance, and regional teams to align sourcing strategy with investment plans.

• Executive presence and influence with senior leadership.
• Strategic thinker with ability to anticipate trends and create actionable plans.
• Strong customer‑service focus and collaborative mindset.
• Excellent communication and storytelling skills.
• Proven ability to lead large, complex sourcing projects and manage risks.
• Skilled in contract negotiation, preferred supplier program design, and cost‑optimization tactics.
• Data‑driven mindset; ability to synthesize complex data for decision‑making.
• Understanding of emerging procurement technologies.

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field; advanced degree (MBA/MS) preferred.

• Accountability for Results – Own high‑quality performance and lead change.
• Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving – Make decisions with long‑term impact.
• Patient & Customer Centricity – Focus on the needs of customers and stakeholders.
• Impactful Communication – Influence stakeholders with clear, logical messaging.
• Respectful Collaboration – Value diverse partnerships to achieve common goals.
• Empowered Development – Foster professional growth of team members.

Minimum $ – Maximum $, plus incentive opportunity. Pay range demonstrates typical entry price for the role in the United States. Actual pay is determined by experience, skill, and internal equity.

Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage; basic life, accidental death & dismemberment; short‑term and long‑term disability; tuition reimbursement; student loan assistance; 401(k) match; flexible time off; paid holidays; and additional company‑provided benefits.

Application period:
Minimum 5 business days.

Otsuka is a leading global pharmaceutical company. The opportunity is located in the United States.

Otsuka is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, national origin, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Otsuka will never ask for financial information or payment during the job application process. If an individual requests money or personal data, it is a fraudulent attempt. All legitimate opportunities are posted exclusively on the Otsuka Careers website: