Category Manager, Direct Materials

A leading pharmaceutical company is seeking a dedicated and strategic Category Manager for Direct Spend. This role involves managing specific categories, supporting the development of procurement strategies, and driving category initiatives through the procurement team.

Reporting to the CPO, you will lead a team of two and the raw materials category, procuring an array of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients for three production sites.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supply Management: Secure, sustain, and drive the company's development and manufacturing with direct materials and materials used in Research and Development.
• API Products: Ensure the supply of direct materials for API products, understanding the spend, suppliers, opportunities, risks, and contracts.
• Supplier Relationships: Execute negotiations to improve relationships with suppliers and contribute to maintaining an OTIF in accordance with targets.
• Issue Resolution: Act as the key escalation channel for issues related to direct materials within the area of responsibility.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with internal stakeholders such as Legal, Research and Development, Regulatory Affairs, Global Product Supply, Quality Assurance/Quality Control, Sales, and Marketing globally to ensure proactive, timely solutions to supply sustainability issues.
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with GxP regulations and local laws, securing that these regulations are followed at all times.

Strategic Development:

• Sourcing Leadership: Actively lead the sourcing and introduction of new materials and suppliers.
• Strategy Implementation: Develop and execute direct materials supply strategies, covering all categories under responsibility.
• Contract Management: Implement proactive contract and relationship management, negotiating and implementing contracts and addendum's with partners.
• Supplier Performance: Monitor, evaluate, and improve supplier performance, managing supplier relationships and enhancing supply stability.
• Cost Efficiency: Initiate, manage, and support local and global cost-saving and efficiency projects, focusing on Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

Qualifications:

• Educational Background: Relevant Bachelor's or Master's degree.
• Experience: 4 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with a strong background in supply chain management, manufacturing, quality assurance, continuous improvement, and budgeting.
• Stakeholder Management: Strong skills in managing stakeholders and operating at different levels of the organisation.
• Leadership: Ability to set direction, build strong relationships, and collaborate across boundaries.
• Problem-Solving: Capability to independently manage challenges, identify solutions, and prioritise tasks under pressure.
• Compliance Knowledge: Understanding of ISO standards, cGMP production, and pharma industry guidelines.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in database management, ERP systems, MS Office, and literature search.
• Multitasking: Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Customer Orientation: Enjoys collaboration with people from diverse cultures.
• Language Proficiency: Fluent in English (spoken and written).

What We Offer:

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• A dynamic and flexible work environment with a focus on work-life balance.
• Opportunities for learning and development.
• A supportive team and friendly colleagues.
• A stable international company background.
• A multinational working environment.
• Home office opportunities.