Director, Commercial Supply Chain

Supply Chain

Cambridge, MA

ID: 24R-15

Full-Time/Regular

Nearly 37 million Americans are currently affected by Chronic Kidney Disease. 37 million.

At Akebia we take that number very seriously and every day we come to work, with the purpose of bettering the lives of each person impacted by kidney disease and the renal community that serves them.

Our tenacious, passionate employees’ challenge the status quo and work to develop unique therapeutics that have the potential to set new standards of care for people living with kidney disease.

This is life-changing work, and we are all in, are you?

Job Summary

Akebia Therapeutics is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director, Commercial Supply Chain to oversee and manage all aspects of our commercial supply chain operations. This role is crucial in ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of our products to market, maintaining high standards of quality and compliance, and driving continuous improvement in supply chain processes. This role requires a proven track record in product launch, supply chain planning, operations, supplier and vendor management, artwork, and serialization management.

Essential Functions And Duties

Strategic Planning and Operational Excellence:

• Develop and implement the overall commercial supply chain strategy in alignment with Akebia Therapeutics' business goals.
• Oversee end-to-end supply chain operations, including production, inventory management and distribution.
• Ensure efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with quality and regulatory standards across all supply chain activities.
• Lead planning activities to ensure accurate and timely availability of products.
• Develop and manage supply plans in coordination with production schedules and sales forecasts.
• Optimize inventory levels to meet customer demand while minimizing costs and obsolescence.
• Implement and manage processes for artwork and serialization to ensure compliance and product traceability.
• Balance production capacity with demand fluctuations and manage constraints
  
  

Supplier And Vendor Management

• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers to ensure reliability, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Negotiate contracts, manage supplier performance, and mitigate risks associated with supply disruptions.
  
  

Team Leadership And Development

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing supply chain team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities for team members.
  
  

Risk Management And Compliance

• Identify potential risks within the supply chain and develop mitigation strategies to ensure business continuity.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory, quality, and safety standards specific to the pharmaceutical industry.
• Collaborate with quality assurance teams to maintain product integrity and safety throughout the supply chain.
  
  

Customer Focus And Collaboration

• Ensure that the Commercial Supply Chain organization is responsive to customer needs and expectations, delivering high levels of service and satisfaction.
• Collaborate with Commercial teams to align supply chain activities with market demands.
• Serve as a central point of contact for commercial supply chain-related issues and initiatives, ensuring alignment and coordination among all stakeholders.
  
  

Technology, Innovation, And Continuous Improvement

• Implement and leverage advanced supply chain technologies and systems to enhance visibility, efficiency, and decision-making.
• Drive innovation initiatives to optimize supply chain processes and improve overall performance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance supply chain processes, reduce waste, and increase efficiency.
  
  

Data Analysis And Reporting

• Utilize data analytics to monitor supply chain performance, identify trends, and make informed decisions.
• Prepare and present regular reports on key supply chain metrics to senior management and stakeholders.
• Lead Akebia’s SIOP process to present and align sales, supply chain and financial goals.
  
  

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field;
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in supply chain management within the biopharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree
• Proven track record of leadership and team development in a complex supply chain environment.
• Strong knowledge of supply chain principles, including demand planning, procurement, logistics, and inventory management.
• Experience with supplier and vendor management, contract negotiation, and performance monitoring.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and quality standards in the biotech industry.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across functions. Proven capability in executive reporting and effective communication with senior leadership.
• Proficiency in supply chain management software and advanced planning systems.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
  
  

Compensation

Targeted Base: 193,458 - 238,977*

• Base Compensation for this role will depend on a number of factors including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience, and may fall outside of the range shown. Base pay is only one component of the company’s total rewards package, all regular employees are also eligible for the corporate bonus program or the incentive compensation program (if applicable), as well as equity. Additional benefits include health care, vision, dental, retirement, PTO, etc.
  
  

Are you an Akebian?

An Akebian is curious, empathetic, and values making connections to people and ideas. Akebian’s aren’t afraid of diving in and owning a process or a problem, because we all want to deliver a great solution. Akebian’s believe that we are better together because we are all working toward a common purpose – to better the life of each person impacted by kidney disease. Want to learn more about what it means to be an Akebian? Visit our website: www.akebia.com

COVID 19 Vaccination: All Akebia new hires will be required to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or, if not, that they are legally entitled to an accommodation due to a medical condition or a sincerely held religious belief. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and Akebia will consider, among other things whether a proposed accommodation would create an undue hardship. Please note that it is unlikely that accommodations can be granted for customer-facing positions.

Akebia is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all job applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other factors prohibited by law.