Vice President, Global Supply Chain

At Kailera, we are bold, authentic and committed to our mission of developing therapies that give people the power to transform their lives and elevate their overall health. Rooted in an entrepreneurial spirit and a team-oriented culture, we are working together to advance Kailera’s mission to advance novel therapies for obesity and related conditions. We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes collaboration, integrity, and excellence. As we expand, we seek the most talented individuals with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences to join our team.

What You’ll Do:

Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), the Vice President (VP), Global Supply Chain will lead Kailera's end-to-end clinical and commercial supply chain, ensuring patients and clinical sites receive a reliable, uninterrupted supply of both Investigational Medicinal Product (IMP) and commercial drug product. This leader will set the global supply strategy, build and develop a high-performing team, and establish strong, well-governed partnerships with external service providers.

Working closely with CMC, Clinical, Regulatory, Quality, Commercial, and Corporate functions, the VP will ensure supply plans meet global quality and regulatory standards and scale with the company's growth. As a senior member of the Technical Operations leadership team, this individual will partner with the CTO to shape and sustain a culture of collaboration, accountability, and operational excellence.

Required location: Waltham, MA (hub-based, onsite 3-4 days per week) OR Remote (home-based, onsite at a hub 1 week every other month).

Responsibilities:

Recruit, develop, and retain a strong global supply chain organization. Establish clear governance structures and performance metrics for tracking and reporting

Manage performance of external partners, including packaging and labeling vendors, third-party logistics providers (3PLs), and distributors, API and device suppliers, through governance meetings, quality and supply agreements, and KPI dashboards

Establish global logistics and distribution, including cold chain management where applicable, import/export and trade compliance, and supply to international markets through direct distribution, partners, or named patient/early access programs

Ensure supply chain operations comply with GMP/GDP and global regulatory requirements, including FDA, EMA, EU Annex 13, QP release, and serialization requirements such as DSCSA and EU FMD

Lead selection, implementation, and optimization of supply chain systems (e.g., ERP, IRT/RTSM, and supply planning tools) to improve visibility and forecasting accuracy

Accountable for establishing compliant and effective clinical and commercial supply chain processes and driving operational excellence across the SCM organization

Coordinate cross-functional efforts across CMC, Legal, Procurement, Commercial, Regulatory, Clinical Development, and Clinical Operations to ensure reliable drug supply delivery

Develop a best-in-class sourcing/procurement organization and coordinate with cross-functional teams to drive enterprise-wide cost optimization initiatives

Apply market insights and modern digital and AI-enabled tools across sourcing and supply planning for greater visibility, better decision-making, and a supply chain that can scale efficiently

Design and implement strategic plans to supply drug to complex global clinical trials and commercial markets using robust, industry-leading supply chain practices

Develop and manage the supply chain budget, and track performance against key metrics such as service level, inventory health, forecast accuracy, and write-offs

Required Qualifications:

15+ years of relevant biopharmaceutical industry experience, including clinical supply management and commercial supply chain

Extensive experience managing multiple complex global supply chain operations for development-stage and commercial products covering Plan, Source, Make, and Deliver

Direct involvement in at least one commercial product launch in the US and/or international markets

Proven people leadership experience, including building, scaling, and developing high-performing teams at the Director level or above

Working knowledge of GMP/GDP, global clinical and commercial regulatory requirements, and serialization/track-and-trace requirements

Experience with S&OP processes, supply planning, and supply chain systems such as ERP (e.g., SAP) and IRT/RTSM

Ability to build a collaborative environment and manage multiple projects with global CDMOs

Strong executive presence and the ability to influence senior leadership and external partners on supply strategy and risk

Hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves, collaborative approach with a high sense of urgency and drive for results

Ability to think creatively and challenge the status quo

Desire to work in a fast-paced, innovative environment

Local candidates are strongly preferred; relocation and remote talent will be considered. Remote employees must adhere to the Hub & Home working model, including a minimum of one week per month in the Waltham, MA corporate office (in addition to any other work-related travel), with overall work-related travel estimated at least 25%

Preferred Qualifications:

Prior experience at a late clinical-stage biotechnology company transitioning toward commercial launch, including launch readiness and post-approval supply chain management

Experience scaling a global supply chain function from a lean, pre-commercial organization

Education:

Bachelor's degree in pharmaceutical science, biology, life sciences, or another relevant field; an advanced degree (MS, MBA, PharmD, or PhD) and/or APICS/ASCM certification is preferred.

Salary Range$272,000—$340,000 USD

For Full Time Roles: This range represents the company’s good-faith estimate of the salary at the time of posting. Actual pay may vary based on experience, skills, qualifications, location, and internal equity. We also offer comprehensive health coverage, flexible time off, paid holidays, and a year-end shutdown. Enjoy a monthly wellness stipend, generous 401(k) match, tuition reimbursement, commuter benefits, disability and life insurance, plus annual bonus opportunities and equity grants—because your well-being and future matter to us.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY INFORMATION:

Kailera Therapeutics, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, creed, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age (40 and over), sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, reproductive health decisions, domestic victim status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.

E-Verify:

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