Strategic Buyer

About us

Based in Parma, Italy, Chiesi is an international research-focused pharmaceuticals and healthcare group with over 85 years’ experience, operating in 30 countries with more than 6,000 employees (Chiesi Group). To achieve its mission of improving people's quality of life by acting responsibly towards society and the environment, the Group researches, develops and markets innovative drugs in its three therapeutic areas: AIR (products and services that promote respiration, from new-born to adult populations), RARE (treatment for patients with rare and ultra-rare diseases) and CARE (products and services that support special care and consumer-facing self-care).

We are proud to be the largest global pharmaceutical group to be awarded B Corp Certification, a recognition of high social and environmental standards. We are a reliable company that adopts and promotes transparent ethical behaviour at all levels. We are committed to embracing diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities. In fact, we are a global family made up of different cultures, different genders, generations, ethnicities, abilities, sexual identities and many other enriching diversities.

Chiesi UK is the number one affiliate of the Chiesi Group and works on important therapy areas, such as neonatology, organ transplantation and rare diseases, alongside our treatments for respiratory conditions. We are proud to be a B Corp company, committed to using business as a force for good and always pursuing high social and environmental standards, to ensure the best outcomes for our people, patients and communities.

Our shared values of integrity, trust and innovation help us build authentic and transparent relationships, with the focus always remaining on the patient. Further, we pride ourselves on inclusivity and appreciate everyone’s unique talents, always encouraging people to share their perspectives and ideas.

What we offer

At Chiesi, we offer a work environment where individuals can reach their full potential and build meaningful careers. We are committed to our people and in April we were thrilled to be recognised as one of the 2024 UK Best Workplaces. This award comes on the back of being certified as a UK and European Top Employer for nine consecutive years. Our people are our greatest asset and we celebrate that “Everyone of us is different. Everyone of us is Chiesi.” We continuously strive to enrich our employees' personal and professional lives through our competitive benefits, services and programmes.

Who we are looking for

We have an exciting opportunity for a Strategic Buyer to join our Procurement team, based in our Head Office in Heald Green, Manchester. At Chiesi it is our people who are at the heart of what we do and achieve. A proud family business, we are a Top Employer and a Great Place to Work in the UK.

We offer a great benefits package including enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption policies, carers leave, flexible smart working/hybrid working, pension, private medical and dental cover, 25 days leave (plus well-being days), competitive salary, and an annual bonus scheme.

Purpose

As a Strategic Buyer, you will lead sourcing activities and manage supplier relationships for specific categories. You will collaborate cross-functionally with teams including Compliance, Finance, Legal, and Corporate Procurement, supporting strategic procurement initiatives, delivering value, and ensuring alignment with business and sustainability goals. To deputise for the Procurement Manager as and when required.

Profile

An experienced procurement professional with a proven track record of working with and influencing senior stakeholders. The individual will be well-versed in all aspects of strategic sourcing and procurement, enabling them to provide expert advice, guidance, and support to business leaders, managers, and cross-functional teams. They will also play a key role in delivering procurement initiatives that drive cost efficiency, supplier performance, and support the ongoing growth and success of the organisation. The post holder must possess strong communication skills and be able to quickly establish and maintain effective working relationships at all levels within the organisation.

Main Responsibilities

• Manage procurement of goods or services across defined categories.
• Execute sourcing strategies aligned with business needs and sustainability objectives.
• Provide supplier management support during the full contract lifecycle.
• Guide internal stakeholders on compliance with procurement policies and procedures.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of procurement practices.
• Collaborate with business functions to track and improve supplier performance.
• Work closely with Legal to negotiate and implement contracts that protect Chiesi’s interests.
• Conduct market research to identify new suppliers and opportunities.
• Support supplier reviews, including corrective action planning when necessary.
• Train and mentor internal stakeholders on procurement processes.
• Track and report on procurement activity, progress, and value delivered.
• Identify risks and gaps in the supply chain and develop mitigation strategies.
• Promote and embed sustainability within the procurement function and supply base.
• Collaborate with Corporate Procurement and global affiliates to share best practices.
• Provide support to the Procurement Manager in the delivery of complex and strategic projects.
• Work collaboratively with the Procurement team and provide support when required.
• Ability to deputise for the Procurement Manager as and when required, demonstrating leadership, decision-making, and accountability in their absence.
• Support the management of the procurement team and ensure continuity of operations, strategic initiatives, and stakeholder engagement.
• Represent the procurement function in cross-functional meetings and contribute to high-level planning and reporting.

Role Requirements

• Proven background in Procurement with strong commercial awareness.
• Experience in a similar industry is desirable.
• Ability to develop and execute procurement strategy and long-term goals.
• Experience leading projects and providing leadership support to a team.
• Strong understanding of category management and supplier relationship management.
• Skilled in negotiation, networking, and cost optimisation.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Adaptable and flexible in approach, with a drive for innovation and improvement.
• Well-organised, self-motivated, and capable of working independently.
• Strong project management and analytical skills.
• Working knowledge of finance, budgeting, and procurement analytics tools.
• Familiarity with compliance, legal, and procurement regulations, including the UK Bribery Act 2010.
• Demonstrated experience working cross-functionally to deliver business value.
• Aware of how procurement creates both tangible and intangible value for the business.

Key Competencies

• Strategic sourcing & category management
• Supplier relationship management
• Negotiation & contract management
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Commercial & financial acumen
• Communication & influence

Chiesi UK is committed to valuing diversity and promoting equality through a policy of treating all its employees and job applicants fairly and equally. Chiesi UK will take all reasonable steps to employ, train and promote employees on the basis of the evidence of competencies required, individual merit and qualifications without regard to race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality, national origin, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age or disability. We will also take all reasonable steps to provide a work environment in which all employees are treated with respect and dignity and that is free from discrimination, harassment and victimisation based upon an employee's race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality, national origin, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age or disability.