Director, Strategic Purchasing

About Stoke:

Stoke Therapeutics (Nasdaq: STOK) is a biotechnology company dedicated to restoring protein expression by harnessing the bodys potential with RNA medicine. Using Stokes proprietary approach, the company is developing antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to selectively restore naturally occurring protein levels. Stokes first medicine in development, zorevunersen, has demonstrated the potential for disease modification in patients with Dravet syndrome and is currently being evaluated in a Phase 3 study. Stoke entered into a strategic collaboration with Biogen in 2025 to develop and commercialize zorevunersen for Dravet syndrome. Under the collaboration, Stoke retains exclusive rights for zorevunersen in the United States, Canada, and Mexico; Biogen receives exclusive rest of world commercialization rights

STK-002 is Stokes proprietary antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) in clinical development for the treatment of autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA), the most common inherited optic nerve disorder. STK-002 has been granted orphan drug designation by the FDA. A Phase 1 study (OSPREY) of STK-002 in people with ADOA is now underway. The company is also conducting early research in Syngap1, a severe and rare neurodevelopmental disorder, in collaboration with Acadia Pharmaceuticals.

Stokes initial focus is on diseases of the central nervous system and the eye that are caused by a loss of ~50% of normal protein levels (haploinsufficiency). Proof of concept has been demonstrated in other organs, tissues, and systems, supporting broad potential for the Companys proprietary approach.

Position Purpose:

We are seeking a Strategic Purchasing Director. In this newly created position, you will lead Stokes strategic sourcing and procurement function as we continue to grow into a later stage clinical development and potentially commercial biotechnology company. Reporting to the VP, Controller, you will have the opportunity to establish this critical function and build it as the company grows. A key component of this role is to build and manage long-term, mutually beneficial vendor relationships that drive value and support the company's mission to address the underlying cause of severe diseases. Additionally, you will act as a strategic partner with functional business partners across the company, in particular clinical development, clinical operations, manufacturing, and legal and other SG&A functions to work on supplier selection and developing and negotiating contracts and enforcing terms.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement an enterprise-wide strategic sourcing and procurement framework that encompasses best in class processes for vendor sourcing, selection, qualification, risk assessment, onboarding, performance management, and lifecycle governance, ensuring alignment with business objectives, regulatory requirements, and quality standards
• Develop and implement end-to-end procurement strategies and processes, including aligning procurement activities with the overall business goals and objectives
• Oversee procurement operations, ensure efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with company policies and regulations and ensure that all procurement activities are conducted efficiently and effectively
• Manage the RFPs/RFQs/RFIs process, review materials in partnership with business stakeholders and legal
• Negotiate contracts to secure favorable terms and conditions for the company in partnership with functional business partners and legal
• Identify, evaluate, and select partners that are qualified to meet Stokes needs in terms of cost, quality, delivery, and innovation
• Conduct spend analysis across functional areas to gain a comprehensive understanding of spending patterns, supplier performance, and potential cost-saving opportunities
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, fostering collaboration and ensuring quality and reliability, manage performance and taking corrective action when necessary
• Monitor and analyze procurement performance, track key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify areas for improvement and drive continuous improvement
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and company policies
• Stay informed about the latest trends and technologies in the strategic sourcing and procurement industry and share knowledge across the company

Required Skills & Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience; minimum of 5 years leading a strategic sourcing and procurement function in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry
• Bachelor's degree required, advanced degree preferred
• Experience leading and building strategic sourcing and procurement capabilities in a high growth clinical development environment required, commercial experience also required
• Solid understanding of the overall drug development process with an emphasis on clinical trials, CRO vendor management, clinical supply chain and commercial manufacturing
• Ability to lead cross functional teams and develop strong partnerships internally and externally
• Deep understanding of contract terms, provisions, and their impacts to the business; extensive experience negotiating complex agreements across all functions
• Can manage multiple programs/projects, sound organizational and time management skills
• Ability to develop concise presentations to convey complex issues at all levels of Management  
• Ability to adapt and effectively problem solve through partnering with stakeholders in a constructive manner, and operate in a fast-paced environment

Location(s):

Stoke is located in Bedford, MA, and will be moving to a new location in Waltham, MA by the end of 2026. This position is a hybrid currently based in Bedford and will later be based in Waltham.

Travel:

This position will require approximately 5% travel.

Compensation & Benefits:

At Stoke Therapeutics, we are committed to offering a comprehensive, competitive and thoughtfully designed total rewards program.

The anticipated salary range for this role is $173,000 - $221,000. The final offer will be determined based on a variety of factors, including role scope, experience and qualifications, education, market benchmarks, internal equity, and geographic location. In addition to base salary, Stoke offers an annual bonus and equity participation.

Our benefits package includes medical, dental and vision insurance; life, long- and short-term disability insurance; paid parental leave; a 401K plan with company match, unlimited vacation time, tuition assistance and participation in our Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP).

Culture & Values:

At Stoke, we believe that innovation, the ability to successfully advance our ground-breaking science and having fun as a team are enhanced by being together in person, at least periodically. We allow for flexibility in work arrangements that balance individuals needs and preferences with the needs of our business and our desire to foster a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Our values guide our work to deliver meaningful medicines for people who need them. We are committed to being true to ourselves, to our colleagues, and to the people with severe diseases who are counting on us. We embrace diversity within a unique culture that is defined by our values. Our employee-led Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DIB) Committee underscores the importance of DIB to who we are and what we do. 

Interested candidates: Please visit Stokes website to learn more and apply directly to the position listed on our Career Center:

https://www.stoketherapeutics.com/careers/

For more information, visit https://www.stoketherapeutics.com/.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, physical or mental disability or protected veteran status.

Stoke participates in E-Verify.