External Supplier Organization Procurement Category Manager

• Develop and execute strategic sourcing strategies for external supplier organizations, including contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs / CDMOs), research organizations, and other service providers.
• Conduct market analysis and assess potential suppliers to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key external supplier organizations, fostering collaboration and transparency.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and address any issues to ensure adherence to quality and compliance standards.
• Define innovation roadmap together with suppliers and internal stakeholders (e.g., quality, R&D) to accelerate unique value contribution they could bring to the company.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with external suppliers, ensuring favorable terms and conditions.
• Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to ensure contracts comply with industry regulations and organizational policies.
• Monitor correct contract execution over the years.
• Ensure that external supplier organizations meet regulatory requirements and adhere to industry quality standards.
• Develop and implement processes to monitor and maintain compliance throughout the partnership.
• Launch, with support of CQ dept, quality improvement programs to align with regulations / counteract deviations from agreed quality standards.
• Understand and get fully acquainted with CMOs manufacturing processes.
• Ensure proper manufacturing capacity and capability allocation to meet the company needs on global sales, commercial launches, prototyping, etc.
• Lead Make-vs-Buy analysis and support technical transfer activities across CMOs or between the company and CMOs.
• Implement cost-effective procurement strategies while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Understand in detail cost composition and prepare mitigation plan to risk of cost increases.
• Analyze total cost of ownership, including service fees, quality assurance costs, and other related expenses.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders, including Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Operations, to align procurement strategies with overall business objectives.
• Engage with cross-functional teams to understand their requirements and provide procurement expertise.
• Lead all supplier communications and act as PoC for supplier relationship.
• Develop, in alignment with Procurement CoE, SRM strategies.
• Deploy SRM strategies across all suppliers in scope / under direct management.
• Provide guidance to the company Procurement on improvement plan in the SRM arena.
• Identify and mitigate potential risks associated with external supplier organizations, such as supply chain interruptions or regulatory changes.
• Develop contingency plans to address and mitigate risks.

• Master's degree in business, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
• Proven experience in indirect procurement, preferably in a managerial role. Experience in pharma industry as a plus
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with suppliers.
• In-depth knowledge of procurement best practices, contract management, and supplier evaluation.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in procurement software and tools.
• Familiarity with relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards in procurement.

Antal International