Grace Chandrasekaran
Global Category and Sourcing/Lean Six Sigma
- Role
- Associate Director of Research and Pdm Procurement at Gilead Sciences
- Location
- Oakland, CA, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Grace Chandrasekaran
Result-driven procurement leader with 20 years of experience developing and executing global sourcing and category strategy for critical materials and complex manufacturing operations across diverse industries, including biotech. Proven expertise in developing and managing strategic programs, consistently mitigating supply chain risks, optimizing costs, and ensuring supply continuity for critical product development and market launches. Skilled at driving R&D sourcing initiatives within regulatory environments, leveraging strong change management and business acumen to integrate stakeholder needs into best-in-class process and programsSpecialties: Supplier Evaluation & Approval Contract Negotiation & ExecutionGlobal Strategic SourcingProcurement Process & StrategyDirect Material & Indirect Service Management Lean Six SigmaProject ManagementCulture TransformationSAP/ERP Implementation & Continuous Improvement
Experience
Associate Director of Research and Pdm Procurement
May 2023 — Present · Foster City, CA, US
Lead global sourcing strategy for over $400M in R&D spend, ensuring supply continuity, cost optimization, and compliance across 250+ suppliers in a regulated pharmaceutical environment.• Delivered $18M+ in savings through strategic negotiation of a 5-year,$80M+ lab supplies and services contract, implementing SLAs, KPIs, and operational governance to elevate supplier performance.• Drive Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) and Preferred Supplier Programs, including a $50M+ supplier diversity initiative, enhancing strategic partnerships and spend visibility.• Collaborate cross-functionally with Quality, Lab Ops, and R&D to enforce GxP/FDA-compliant sourcing practices and support infrastructure transformation projects.• Champion procurement’s role in early engagement and strategic planning, supporting executive-level initiatives and business continuity during leadership transitions.
Education
Rutgers University
BA, Chemistry
1999 — 2003
USC Marshall School of Business
Master of Science (M.S.), Global Supply Chain Management
2014 — 2015
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