Inventory Control Manager, Supply Chain (contractor)

Description of Role

Centessa is seeking an Inventory Manager, Supply Chain contractor to own inventory planning, control, and reconciliation across the company's outsourced clinical supply network, including investigational product (IP), comparators, and ancillary materials held at third-party depots, CMOs/CDMOs, and distribution partners. This role ensures accurate, real-time visibility into inventory levels, drives forecast accuracy, and partners closely with external vendors and internal Clinical Supply, Quality, and Finance teams to prevent stockouts, minimize waste, and support uninterrupted trial execution. Reporting to Senior Director, Clinical Supply Chain, this individual will maintain accurate inventory records across systems (e.g., IRT, ERP), lead regular reconciliation cycles with vendors, and identify opportunities to strengthen inventory controls in a fast-paced, vendor-dependent environment.

Key Responsibilities

Inventory Planning & Forecasting 

• Develop and maintain inventory forecasts and stocking strategies for IP, comparators, and ancillary materials, aligned with protocol requirements, enrollment projections, and site demand.
• Set and monitor min/max inventory levels across depots and storage locations to prevent stockouts and reduce excess or expiring stock.
• Support resupply planning and trigger replenishment orders in coordination with Clinical Supply and CMO partners. 

Inventory Control & Systems Management 

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date inventory records across relevant systems (e.g., IRT, ERP) and ensure data integrity across all storage and distribution nodes.
• Lead routine inventory reconciliations with CMOs, depots, and 3PL partners; investigate and resolve discrepancies in received or on-hand quantities.
• Monitor shelf-life and expiry dating across the network and coordinate retest/extension activities with the analytical team to ensure continuous supply.
• Support the investigation and documentation of temperature excursions, product complaints, and product recovery activities as they relate to inventory. 

Vendor & CMO Coordination 

• Serve as the primary point of contact for day-to-day inventory-related communication with CMOs, depots, warehouses, and freight forwarders.
• Monitor vendor performance against inventory accuracy, turnaround time, and service-level expectations; escalate and help resolve recurring issues.
• Coordinate with CMO/CDMO partners on packaging, labeling, and shipment timing to keep inventory data and physical stock in sync. 

Reporting & Continuous Improvement 

• Track and report inventory-related KPIs (e.g., accuracy rates, days of supply, excess/expiry risk) to Supply Chain leadership.
• Contribute to data quality initiatives and support internal and vendor audits related to inventory records.
• Identify and help implement process improvements to strengthen inventory controls, forecasting accuracy, and cross-vendor consistency.
• Communicate inventory status, risks, and priorities clearly across Clinical Operations, CMC, Quality, and Finance. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, science, engineering, or a related field required.
• 3–5 years of biotech/pharma industry experience in supply chain, inventory management, or clinical supply, including experience working with external vendors, required.
• Working knowledge of GMP/GDP requirements and inventory management practices in a regulated environment.
• Experience using an ERP, IRT, or other logistics/inventory management information system, or demonstrated ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Demonstrated success managing detailed data sets and inventory records with a high degree of accuracy.
• Experience coordinating with CMOs, 3PLs, or other external vendors on day-to-day logistics and inventory matters.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and contribute to creating and implementing inventory processes in a small-company, vendor-dependent setting.
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills; experience with SAP or similar planning tools a plus. 

Compensation 

The hourly range for this position is $55.00 to $80.00 per hour. Individual compensation within this range will be determined based on a variety of factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and job knowledge.  

Contractors engaged through Centessa are employed through a third-party agency that serves as the employer of record and provides access to a comprehensive benefits package. Eligible contractors may enroll in medical plans, including PPO and EPO options, as well as dental and vision coverage after 30 days. Additional perks, such as a 401(k), wellness programs, and other discounts, may also be available to eligible contractors.

Work Location

The Inventory Control Manager, Supply Chain (contractor) is a remote role based in the US. 

POSITION: Full-Time, Exempt

EEOC Statement: Centessa Pharmaceuticals, a wholly owned subdisary of Eli Lilly and Company believes in a diverse environment and is committed to equal employment opportunity for all its employees and qualified applicants. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Please note: We will not assign referral rights for any unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies.