Project Vendor Manager

Project Vendor Manager The Project Vendor Manager is responsible for daily oversight and management of third party vendors supporting clinical research studies, from study start up through close out, including issue and risk management. The role ensures that third party vendors deliver high-quality services aligned with contractual obligations, regulatory standards, project timelines, and client expectations. The position requires strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills to coordinate cross-functional teams, manage budgets, and maintain compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and International Council for Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Manage end-to-end oversight of third-party vendors supporting clinical trials from study start-up through database lock and closeout. Serve as the primary project-level contact for assigned vendors, ensuring alignment with study scope, timelines, deliverables, quality, and cost. Develop, implement, and actively manage the Vendor Management Plan (VMP) in collaboration with cross-functional study teams. Coordinate vendor onboarding, kickoff meetings, scope alignment, and contract execution in partnership with internal stakeholders and clients. Integrate vendor activities into overall clinical project plans and study timelines; track deliverables, milestones, and dependencies using standardized and ad hoc tracking tools. Monitor vendor performance against KPIs and contractual obligations; proactively identify, manage, and escalate risks, issues, deviations, and change requests. Lead and participate in routine vendor, sponsor, and internal study team meetings; provide accurate vendor metrics and status updates. Review and manage vendor contracts, SOWs, budgets, forecasts, change orders, invoices, and financial reconciliation activities. Assist with the review and approval of vendor study specifications, study plans, training materials, and other deliverables to ensure alignment with protocol and operational requirements. Ensure vendor compliance with GCP, SOPs, and study-specific requirements; support audits, inspections, and QEs/CAPA follow-up as needed. Oversee vendor-related logistics, including tracking of equipment shipments, returns, and related documentation. Support final vendor data transfers, database lock activities, financial reconciliation, and formal vendor closeout. Act as a liaison between sponsors, vendors, and internal stakeholders, including, but not limited to, Clinical Operations, Data Management, Biostatistics, Safety, Regulatory, and Quality. Provide regular status reports to the Director of Vendor Management, including performance trends, risks, and mitigation strategies. Document meeting outcomes, decisions, and lessons learned; contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and standardized vendor management processes. Perform other vendor related duties as required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Pharmacy, Nursing or relevant field of study preferred, or equivalent combination of education, training and experience (Masters’ helpful). 5 years plus of experience within the clinical research industry, and at least 2 years in a project management or vendor management role within a CRO or pharmaceutical company. Strong knowledge of GCP, ICH guidelines and regulatory requirements. Demonstrated experience in vendor negotiations and contract management. Ability to maintain confidentiality of data and information during staff interactions at all levels. Strong, influencing, management and team skills. Ability to effectively communicate with internal and external customers and at all levels of the organization. Thorough understanding of the work performed by other CRC functions and how they interact. Ability to motivate others while operating under tight timelines and ambiguous situations. Proficiency with project management tools. Strong computer skills (MS Office). Excellent written and oral communications skills. English proficiency. Sound critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Able to execute position responsibilities with minimum guidance. Time management and ability to prioritize. Meticulous attention to details. Ability to travel <10%. Department Clinical Operations Role Project Vendor Manager Locations Remote, US Remote status Fully Remote Employment type Full-time About Cognitive Research Corporation Cognitive Research Corporation (CRC) is a leading full-service contract research organization, specializing exclusively in CNS disorders. Guided by a commitment to urgency, consistency, and accuracy, we help bring new therapies through rigorous testing to FDA approval, ultimately improving patient outcomes.