Manager/Director, Procurement and Materials (Contract Role)

Contractor/Consultant – Procurement & Inventory Management Location: Sacramento, CA (Onsite) Engagement Type: Contract / Consultant Position Summary Orca Bio is seeking an experienced Procurement & Inventory Management Consultant to support sourcing, procurement, materials management, inventory planning, and forecasting activities for research, development, manufacturing, and business operations. This onsite contract role will be responsible for managing and optimizing procurement strategies, developing and improving forecast inventory and purchasing tools, ensuring the timely acquisition and availability of goods and services while balancing quality, cost, and delivery. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on procurement professional who thrives in a fast‑paced environment and can partner cross‑functionally to optimize purchasing and inventory processes. Key Responsibilities Lead procurement activities for direct and indirect materials, laboratory supplies, equipment, and services. Manage and optimize sourcing strategies that align with business objectives for quality, cost, supply continuity, and operational efficiency. Manage inventory levels and partner with internal stakeholders to develop forecasts that ensure material availability while minimizing excess inventory. Monitor inventory trends, usage patterns, supplier lead times, and demand forecasts to proactively mitigate supply risks. Support material sourcing and new material introductions, including identifying, qualifying, and managing suppliers. Troubleshoot supplier events and issues, including supplier performance, risk assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives. Partner with Manufacturing, Technical Operations, Quality, Finance, Facilities, and Research teams to understand business needs and drive procurement and inventory needs. Manage purchase requisitions, purchase orders, and vendor onboarding while ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures. Resolve supplier and inventory issues while implementing corrective actions to maintain continuity of supply. Analyze procurement and inventory data to identify cost savings, process improvements, supplier consolidation opportunities, and inventory optimization strategies. Develop and report procurement and inventory metrics, including supplier performance, inventory health, forecasting accuracy, and cost savings. Deliverables Optimize inventory forecasting based on inventory consumption data, supplier lead times, internal test and release times, and demand forecast needs. Develop a process for purchase order review prior to submission for approval. Support material sourcing initiatives to deliver required materials and inventory. Duration 4 months with option to extend based on need. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. 5+ years of procurement, strategic sourcing, inventory management, or supply chain experience. Experience with inventory planning and procurement strategies. Proven experience managing supplier relationships. Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills. Excellent communication and negotiation skills with the ability to collaborate across multiple functions. Experience using ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or similar) and Microsoft Excel. Ability to work onsite in Sacramento, California. Preferred Qualifications Experience in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, life sciences, cell therapy, gene therapy, or medical device industry. Knowledge of GMP/GxP environments and regulated procurement practices. Experience sourcing laboratory equipment, raw materials, single‑use manufacturing components, or contract laboratory/manufacturing services. Familiarity with supplier quality management, vendor qualification, and risk assessment processes. Experience with MRP systems, procurement analytics, and inventory optimization. Professional certifications such as CPSM, CSCP, APICS, or CPIM are a plus. Engagement Details Contract/Consulting engagement. Based onsite in Sacramento, California. Opportunity to support a growing organization by strengthening procurement operations, supplier management, inventory planning, and forecasting processes in a collaborative environment. The anticipated annual salary range for this job is based on prior experience in the role/industry, education, location, internal equity, and other job‑related factors as permitted by law. Full‑time employment positions will also be eligible to receive pre‑IPO equity and annual bonus, in addition to competitive medical, dental, and vision benefits, PTO, 401(k) plan, life and accidental death and disability coverage, and parental leave benefits. Other perks include subsidized daily lunches and snacks at our on‑site locations. We’re proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer, and recognize that celebrating our differences creates stronger, lasting solutions that better serve our team, our patients, and their healthcare providers. #J-18808-Ljbffr Orca Bio