Strategic Sourcing Lead (R&D Categories)

Job Responsibilities:

Category Strategy Development

* Develop and implement global category strategies for assigned R&D categories.

* Continuously evaluate market dynamics, supplier landscape, technology trends, and cost drivers.

* Build category roadmaps aligned with business priorities and long-term procurement objectives.

* Identify opportunities for supplier consolidation, standardization, and cost optimization.

Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Selection

* Lead end-to-end sourcing activities including:

Demand analysis

RFx management

Supplier evaluation

Commercial negotiation

Contract award

* Develop sourcing recommendations balancing cost, quality, innovation, and supply continuity.

* Establish strategic supplier partnerships supporting R&D innovation and business growth.

Stakeholder Management

* Act as the primary procurement business partner for R&D stakeholders.

* Understand scientific and technical requirements and translate them into sourcing strategies.

* Facilitate alignment between procurement objectives and research priorities.

* Provide procurement expertise and market intelligence to support decision-making.

Supplier Relationship Management

* Manage key supplier relationships and business reviews.

* Monitor supplier performance through KPIs and SLAs.

* Drive supplier development and continuous improvement initiatives.

* Collaborate with suppliers to identify innovation and process enhancement opportunities.

Cost Optimization & Value Creation

* Deliver annual savings and value-generation targets.

* Apply TCO methodologies in sourcing decisions.

* Identify opportunities for process efficiency, demand management, and specification optimization.

* Support budgeting and forecasting activities through market intelligence and pricing insights.

Risk Management & Compliance

* Assess and mitigate supply chain risks.

* Develop business continuity and alternate sourcing strategies.

* Ensure compliance with company procurement policies and regulatory requirements.

* Support supplier quality and qualification activities when required.

Contract Management

* Lead commercial negotiations and contract discussions.

* Partner with legal and business stakeholders to finalize agreements.

* Ensure contractual compliance and management of key commercial terms.

Requirements:

* Bachelor's degree or above in:

* Minimum 8-10+ years of procurement and category management experience.

* Strong track record of managing high-value and complex sourcing initiatives.

* Experience leading global or regional category strategies.

* Experience managing senior stakeholders and strategic supplier relationships.

* Biopharmaceutical, life science, CRO/CDMO industry experience strongly preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

* Master's degree (MBA, Supply Chain, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, or related field) preferred.

Preferred professional certifications include:

* CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management)

* CIPS Certification

* CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional)

* PMP (Project Management Professional)

* Relevant procurement or supply chain certifications