Procurement Category Manager - External Supplier Organization Pharma

In Alfasigma we are looking for a Procurement Category Manager - External Supplier Organization Pharma, who will work closely with internal stakeholders, including Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Operations, to align procurement strategies with overall business objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Strategic Sourcing:
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.
2. Supplier Relationship Management:
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 Alfasigma
3. Contract Negotiation:
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.
4. Quality and Compliance:
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
5. Manufacturing savviness
Understand and get fully acquainted with CMOs manufacturing processes.
Ensure proper manufacturing capacity and capability allocation to meet Alfasigma needs on global sales, commercial launches, prototyping, etc
Lead Make-vs-Buy analysis and support technical transfer activities across CMOs or between Alfasigma and CMOs
6. Cost Management:
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.
7. Collaboration and Communication:
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
8. Supplier Relationship Management:
Develop, in alignment with Procurement CoE, SRM strategies.
Deploy SRM strategies across all suppliers in scope / under direct management.
Provide guidance to Alfasigma Procurement on improvement plan in the SRM arena
9. Risk Management:
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.

Specific Skills, Educational Requirements and Experience:
Master's degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
Proven experience in direct procurement. 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.
Strategic thinker with excellent planning and organizational skills.
Detail-oriented and results-driven.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Adaptability and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, changing business environment.
Strong leadership and decision-making capabilities.

Company:
Alfasigma is a pharmaceutical company, born in 2015 from the merger of two historic Italian companies. It is among the top five pharmaceutical companies operating in the Italian market and boasts a growing international presence, with branches in 24 countries. Alfasigma's goal is to improve the quality of life of patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals working with passion and strongly believing in its mission.