Procurement Category Specialist - Raw Materials

Job Purpose

The Procurement Category Specialist operates within the corporate “Group Procurement - Raw Materials” function and is responsible for managing the strategic sourcing of pharmaceutical raw materials, with main focus on Rare Disease portfolio (biologics and complex APIs), to ensure continuity of supply, cost competitiveness, and compliance with quality and regulatory standards.
The role contributes to the definition and execution of category strategies, working in close collaboration with other Group Procurement teams, Supply Chain, Manufacturing Science & Technology, Finance, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Legal teams. The position plays a key role in supplier management and selection, supply agreement negotiations, budget definition and financial result reporting across a global supplier base, while contributing to cost optimization and risk mitigation initiatives

Key Responsibilities

•    Drive the definition and implementation of global category strategies aligned with Group Procurement and business objectives. 
•    In collaboration with the relevant stakeholders, lead strategic sourcing initiatives, including scouting, supplier selection, complex negotiations and long-term agreements with key suppliers.
•    With cross-functional engagement, participate to business review and problem-solving sessions, as well as support project cost negotiations and action item implementations.
•    Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers globally and ensure supply continuity through appropriate sourcing strategies, aligned with Supply Chain and Manufacturing Science & Technology projects
•    Work closely with Supply Chain, Manufacturing Science & Technology, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs to monitor supplier performance, support supplier qualification and change management processes, audits and GMP compliance, support project implementation
•    Define annual budget and period forecasts, monitor financial performance during the year together with Finance and Supply Chain teams. 
•    Deliver procurement targets, identify and implement cost-saving and value improvement initiatives.
•    Manage procurement data in ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and ensure reporting accuracy. Support the required supplier management in e-procurement platforms.
•    Analyse market trends, pricing evolution, and supply risks (geopolitical, capacity, etc.)
•    Work cross-functionally with Supply Chain to ensure inventory optimization and continuity of supply.
•    Contribute to Raw Materials Team initiatives and share market knowledge. Support identification and implementation of best practices, contribute to harmonized team project and performance reporting.

Required Education

University degree, with a preference for Chemistry, Pharmacy or related scientific field. 

Required Skills and Experience

•    Minimum 3–5 years of experience with preference in Procurement or Supply Chain within the pharmaceutical or chemical sector. Similar experiences in technical roles (e.g. MSAT, Tech Transfer, Pharma Technology…) could be suitable as well.
•    Direct experience in sourcing pharmaceutical raw materials, or experience in such processes developed in related function’s positions 
•    Negotiation and stakeholder management skills with international suppliers in complex contexts and for complex products and processes
•    Experience in managing contracts and commercial agreements
•    Familiarity with GMP environment and regulated industries
•    Experience working with cross-functional teams (QA, RA, MSAT, Supply Chian, Finance, Legal, Manufacturing) and with problem-solving attitude
•    Solid analytical skills and ability to interpret market data. Experience with cost and TCO analysis 
•    Exposure to global supply markets (Europe, US, India, China)
•    Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Technical Competencies

•    Strategic mindset with ability to manage complexity
•    Strong analytical and problem-solving approach
•    Results-oriented with a focus on value creation
•    Effective communication and stakeholder management capabilities
•    Ability to influence and negotiate effectively 
•    Proactive attitude, ownership-driven approach and ability to manage priorities autonomously
•    End-to-end understanding of processes, with a cross-functional mindset and attention to compliance impacts
•    Team player, comfortable working in a dynamic and international environment

Required Languages

Mandatory: Fluent in English, written and spoken
Preferred additional languages: Italian, French or German