Global Category Director Operating Consumables
Global Category Director - Operating Consumables
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Industry: Pharmaceutical / Life Sciences
Function: Global Procurement
Experience: 10+ years
Language: English (German and/or Spanish a plus)
About the Opportunity
We are representing a leading German pharmaceutical company that is expanding its global operations with a new strategic hub in Barcelona. As part of this growth, we are seeking a Global Category Director to lead the procurement strategy for Operating Consumables across the company's global manufacturing and R&D network.
This is a senior leadership role with high visibility, ideal for a procurement expert with deep experience in consumables sourcing within regulated, high-complexity environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement global category strategies for Operating Consumables, ensuring alignment with manufacturing, quality, and R&D needs.
- Lead supplier selection, contract negotiations, and long-term relationship management with key vendors.
- Collaborate closely with stakeholders across Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and R&D to ensure category strategies support operational excellence.
- Drive cost optimization, innovation, and sustainability initiatives across the consumables portfolio.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory and quality standards in all sourcing activities.
- Lead and mentor a global team of category managers and buyers.
Candidate Profile
- 10+ years of experience in strategic procurement or category management, ideally within pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical device industries.
- Strong expertise in sourcing lab supplies, cleanroom materials, PPE, filtration, and other operating consumables.
- Proven ability to manage global supplier networks and complex stakeholder environments.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and leadership skills.
- Fluent in English; German and/or Spanish is a strong advantage.
- Degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
Why Apply?
- Join a top-tier pharmaceutical company during a major global expansion.
- Play a key role in shaping procurement strategy from a newly established Barcelona hub.
- Competitive compensation, relocation support, and long-term career growth opportunities.
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