Senior Director, Supply Chain

Job Description

Job Description

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 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 as assigned and drive 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 & 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. 

• Oversee 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 phases of rapid growth or transformation. 

• Proficiency in ERP software, specializing in end-to-end Planning, Purchasing, and Inventory Management processes 

• In-depth technical operations and quality knowledge as well as applied expertise in GMP and GDP regulated facilities. 

• Exemplary problem solving, interpersonal, and project management skills. 

• Experience managing external suppliers such as 3PL and logistics providers. 

• Proven record of meeting tight timelines and prioritizing workload within a dynamic organization. 

• Extensive knowledge of managing and shipping cold-chain products; knowledge of cryopreserved products a plus.  

• Self-motivated, collaborative leader who thrives in dynamic environments and is comfortable navigating complexity and ambiguity. 

• Travel may be required up to 20%. 

• Subject to extended periods of sitting and standing, vision to monitor, and moderate noise levels. 

• May require lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds. 

• May require working with hazardous materials. 

• Will require work in controlled and cGMP Manufacturing environments requiring special gowning. 

• The salary offer will be based on a variety of factors, including level, experience, qualifications, internal equity, and location.
• Fate offers a competitive employment package that includes an annual bonus, equity, and a generous benefits package.
• The anticipated salary range for this role is $230,000 - $250,000.

The preceding job description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. Additional and incidental duties related to the primary duties may be required from time to time.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Fate Therapeutics, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Privacy Notice

To learn about how Fate collects and uses job application information, please visit Fate's online Privacy Notice.

About Fate Therapeutics, Inc.

Fate Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to bringing a pipeline of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cellular immunotherapies to patients. Using its proprietary iPSC product platform, the Company has established a leadership position in creating multiplexed-engineered master iPSC lines and in the manufacture and clinical development of off-the-shelf, iPSC-derived cell products. The Company’s pipeline includes iPSC-derived T-cell and natural killer (NK) cell product candidates, which are selectively designed, incorporate novel synthetic controls of cell function, and are intended to deliver multiple therapeutic mechanisms to patients. Fate Therapeutics is headquartered in San Diego, CA. For more information, please visit

⚠️  Recruitment Fraud Alert

Recently, we have been made aware of unauthorized individuals falsely presenting themselves as Fate Therapeutics employees or recruiters as part of online scams or phishing attempts. Impersonators may use the Fate Therapeutics name and logo, as well as employee names and job titles, to gain a job seeker’s personal or banking information or to request payment as a condition of being considered for a position at the company. Fate Therapeutics and its employees are not involved in these scams.

Here are a few things to be aware of to help identify recruitment fraud:

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Please exercise caution. If something feels off about your interactions, we encourage you to contact us at  View email address on ziprecruiter.com to confirm the authenticity of the message. Your security is important to us, and we appreciate your vigilance.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.