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Purchasing Manager

Cellanome

Cellanome

Foster City, CA, USA
USD 130k-160k / year + Equity
Posted on Sep 17, 2025

We’re a well-funded start-up. You’ll get a chance to wear many hats, be a part of a growing team, and have the potential for exciting financial and career growth.

Here’s what sets us apart. We’ve set our sights on some of the biggest challenges facing biology today. We’re amassing a world class team of engineers, scientists, team builders and problem solvers to tackle these challenges heads-on. We’re passionate about developing the next generation technologies that will unravel the complexities of biology.

This is a unique opportunity to build, be part of an exciting start-up and be surrounded by good humans who are super capable, humble and down-to- earth.

Reporting into the Sr. Director of Supply Chain, the Purchasing Manager will be responsible for procurement activities to support research, development, and manufacturing in a fast-paced environment. This role ensures the timely and cost-effective sourcing of materials, reagents, consumables, lab supplies, equipment, and services while maintaining compliance with quality standards, company policies, and regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, ISO, GMP). The ideal candidate has strong vendor management and negotiation experience, knowledge of biotechnology supply chains, proficiency in procurement systems, and the ability to balance cost, quality, and supply continuity.

Essential Duties include but are not limited to the following:

  • Implement and manage purchasing strategies aligned with company goals.
  • Manage day-to-day purchasing activities across all sites, ensuring timely procurement of goods and services.
  • Support R&D by sourcing laboratory supplies, equipment, and services that meet technical specifications and project timelines.
  • Identify, evaluate, and manage suppliers to ensure quality, reliability, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts to achieve favorable outcomes for the company.
  • Support manufacturing by monitoring inventory levels, lead times, and supplier performance to mitigate risks and avoid shortages.
  • Ensure compliance with internal purchasing policies, quality systems, and industry regulations.
  • Develop and maintain strong vendor relationships to support current and future needs.
  • Track, analyze, report, and optimize key procurement KPIs (cost savings, supplier on-time delivery, inventory turns, lead time reduction, etc.).
  • Maintain and drive continuous improvement in procurement systems and processes.
  • Willingness to travel up to 20% of the time for cross-site collaboration.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant purchasing or procurement experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 6 years and a Master’s degree; or equivalent experience.
  • Proven track record purchasing laboratory supplies and working closely with scientists or technical staff to understand requirements and translate them into purchase orders.
  • Strong knowledge of NetSuite ERP.
  • Excellent negotiation, communication, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and compliance.
  • Demonstrated ability to perform the Essential Duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • CPSM, CPIM, or similar professional certification.
  • Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), GMP, or ISO standards.
  • Previous experience in a regulated industry (biotech, pharma, medical device, or related).

The estimated base salary range for this position is $130,000 - $160,000/year. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

What you can expect from us:

You’ll feel the energy when you walk in our door – we work hard, we have fun and we have ambitious plans to grow. Cellanome offers a comprehensive employment package that includes a competitive salary, generous stock options, great individual, and family health plans, a 401(k) and flexibility to balance work and life.

We embrace and celebrate the diversity of our employees. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital or parental status, disability, veteran status, or other class protected by applicable law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.