Senior Category Manager, R&D Procurement

Overview

• Lead global sourcing strategies for R&D procurement categories, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and compliance standards.
• Develop and implement procurement plans to support clinical trials and new product development initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand procurement needs and deliver strategic sourcing solutions.
• Manage supplier relationships, focusing on performance tracking, compliance, and long-term partnerships.
• Execute RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs, negotiating terms and selecting suppliers to meet cost savings goals.
• Provide leadership in strategic sourcing, leveraging best practices and systems to optimize procurement performance.
• Ensure adherence to corporate contracts and e-catalogs, enhancing site compliance and supplier performance.
• Support cross-functional teams in procurement activities, delivering tangible results in a complex environment.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

• Develop category sourcing strategies for R&D spend, engaging senior stakeholders to shape procurement requirements.
• Train internal teams on sourcing policies, processes, and systems to enhance procurement efficiency.
• Leverage strategic relationship management practices to retain and enhance key R&D services with third-party suppliers.
• Manage supplier qualification processes, total cost analysis, and contractual negotiations to optimize sourcing outcomes.
• Collaborate with Legal and Finance teams to ensure procurement activities align with organizational objectives.
• Monitor supplier performance, reducing supply base and improving compliance through strategic partnerships.
• Lead sourcing initiatives, executing RFx processes and supplier selection to meet performance goals.
• Implement metrics and systems to monitor and optimize procurement activities across the organization.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or business required; CPM certification preferred.
• 5-8 years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or related fields within the pharmaceutical industry.
• Proven track record in managing cross-functional teams and delivering results in a global environment.
• Extensive experience with RFx processes, supplier qualification, and strategic sourcing best practices.
• Proficiency in ERP systems like Oracle or SAP and Microsoft Office tools.
• Strong project management and operational skills, with attention to detail and multitasking ability.
• Knowledge of GMP/GCP standards and pharmaceutical R&D processes is essential.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively in a matrixed environment.