Senior Manager, Supply Chain Operations

Position Summary BrainChild Bio is seeking a highly motivated hands-on Senior Manager, Supply Chain Operations , to join our growing team. This pivotal role will drive the supply chain processes, systems, and partnerships required to support BrainChild's clinical-stage cell therapy programs and internal research operations. The Senior Manager will serve as the primary business partner across BrainChild's external manufacturing network, critical suppliers, storage providers, and logistics partners. Working closely with Program Management, Quality Assurance, Patient Operations, Clinical Operations, MSAT, Research, Process Development, Analytical Development, and Finance, this individual will ensure uninterrupted supply, operational readiness, and efficient support of both clinical and laboratory activities. As BrainChild's lead supply chain operations professional, this role will provide broad oversight across forecasting, external manufacturing coordination, supplier management, laboratory inventory planning, and logistics operations. The successful candidate will be comfortable moving seamlessly between strategic operational planning and hands-on execution while serving as a key supply chain operational partner across the organization. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape and optimize BrainChild's supply chain capabilities within a fast-paced and highly collaborative environment. The ideal candidate is a proactive and adaptable professional who thrives in ambiguity, takes ownership of complex challenges, and delivers practical solutions that support scientific innovation and improve patient outcomes. Responsibilities: Supply Planning & CDMO Oversight • Lead demand forecasting and supply planning operations activities in partnership with internal stakeholders and external manufacturing partners. • Serve as the primary supply chain liaison for BrainChild's CDMO network, maintaining visibility into the demand plan, inventory levels, material requirements, and supply risks. • Review material procurement plans and inventory requirements proposed by CDMOs, proactively identifying and mitigating risks related to inventory, material availability, manufacturing readiness, and future demand. Supplier & Vendor Management • Manage relationships with key suppliers, contract service providers, and supply chain partners supporting clinical and research activities. • Partner closely with Quality Assurance to support supplier identification, qualification, onboarding, performance monitoring, and ongoing supplier management activities. • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure current suppliers meet quality, operational, and business requirements in support of supply continuity and cost optimization while additionally evaluating potential new suppliers and materials identified by the scientific functions. • Establish supplier performance metrics, governance processes, secondary sourcing strategies, and business continuity plans for critical materials and services. Logistics & Cold Chain Operations • Manage relationships with third-party logistics providers, specialty couriers, and storage vendors. • Oversee the compliant, timely, and reliable transportation and storage of materials and cell therapy products. • Drive logistics performance improvements through vendor management, KPI monitoring, and process optimization. Internal Laboratory Materials & Inventory Management • Partner with lab operations in support of Research, Process Development, and Analytical Development to improve material and future demand planning to enable lab activities and business continuity across BrainChild's internal laboratory operations. • Collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure timely availability of critical laboratory materials, reagents, and consumables while additionally driving cost optimizations. Qualifications and Education Requirements • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field. • 7+ years of experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or cell and gene therapy • Experience managing complex supply chains involving CDMOs, contract service providers, and external vendors. • Experience in supply planning, inventory management, supplier management, and logistics operations. • Working knowledge of S&OP, MRP, inventory planning, and capacity planning processes. • Strong analytical, project management, and problem-solving skills. • Experience working within GxP-regulated environments. • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong cross-functional and external partnerships. • Experience implementing ERP, inventory management, or supply chain planning systems. • Experience operating in a fast-paced startup or high-growth environment preferred.