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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead supplier strategy and manage sourcing for life-saving pharmaceuticals.
- Company: Join a top medical technology company known for innovation in healthcare.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary up to £80,000 plus hybrid work options.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-performing team making a real impact in global healthcare.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree with experience in procurement or supplier management, ideally in pharma.
- Other info: International travel required (approx. 15%); no sponsorship available.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 64000 £ per year.
Overview
Category Lead Life Sciences – Buckinghamshire, England, United Kingdom (On-site). Job Title: Strategic Category Lead, Contract Development & Manufacturing. Job Type: Full-time, permanent. Location: Buckinghamshire, UK (hybrid). Remuneration: Up to £80,000 + benefits.
Are you ready to lead supplier strategy for one of the world’s most recognized healthcare innovators? A leading medical technology company is looking for a Strategic Category Lead to join their pharmaceutical diagnostic division and take ownership of sourcing and vendor management activities critical to the development of life-saving pharmaceuticals.
The Opportunity: In this senior-level role, you’ll play a pivotal part in the global R&D procurement function, focusing on sourcing and supplier partnerships for clinical trial materials across drug substance and drug product development. You’ll be embedded within a high-performing sourcing team and work cross-functionally with R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, and Product Management leaders.
Responsibilities
- Lead strategic sourcing and supplier selection for R&D Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs).
- Develop category strategies that align with long-term clinical and commercial objectives.
- Guide end-to-end contract lifecycle management, including negotiation, vendor onboarding, and compliance oversight.
- Act as a key interface between internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure timely and compliant delivery of clinical trial materials.
- Identify supplier gaps and proactively build a best-in-class supplier base across regions.
- Contribute to global initiatives and implement continuous process improvements.
What You’ll Need
- A strategic thinker with a strong background in procurement, sourcing, or supplier management—ideally within pharma or biotech.
- Experience in managing relationships with CDMOs or CMOs.
- Skilled in negotiating complex contracts, navigating regulatory frameworks, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
- Confident in managing multiple stakeholders and influencing decisions at all levels.
- A strong communicator with a commercial mindset and deep understanding of R&D processes.
Qualifications Snapshot
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, with substantial industry experience.
- Proven success in category management or strategic sourcing within CMC/Manufacturing.
- Solid knowledge of GMP, supplier compliance, and pharmaceutical development cycles.
- Experience working within a preclinical or CRO environment; experience in pharmaceutical research operations, compliance, clinical study execution and supplier management.
- Project management and leadership capabilities.
- Willingness to travel internationally (approximately 15%).
How to Apply
Please apply within.
Please note you must hold the FULL right to work in the locations provided; this role does not provide job sponsorship or relocation.
Disclaimer: Due to an influx of applications, not every application can be provided feedback.
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Strategic Category Lead employer: Cpl Life Sciences
Contact Detail:
Cpl Life Sciences Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Category Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Attend industry conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the latest trends in R&D procurement.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the specific CDMOs and CMOs that the company collaborates with. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses can help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and show how you can add value.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with contract lifecycle management in detail. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully negotiated complex contracts and managed vendor relationships in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the latest regulations and compliance standards in the pharmaceutical industry. Being well-versed in these areas will position you as a knowledgeable candidate who can navigate the complexities of supplier management.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Category Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement, sourcing, and supplier management, particularly within the pharmaceutical or biotech sectors. Use specific examples that demonstrate your strategic thinking and project management skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your motivation for applying to this role. Emphasise your experience with CDMOs, your understanding of R&D processes, and how you can contribute to the company's goals in developing life-saving pharmaceuticals.
Highlight Key Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include quantifiable achievements that showcase your success in category management or strategic sourcing. This could be cost savings, improved supplier relationships, or successful contract negotiations.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your documents to eliminate any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in this senior-level role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cpl Life Sciences
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the Strategic Category Lead position and its responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with the company's focus on R&D procurement and how it relates to the pharmaceutical industry.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in procurement, sourcing, or supplier management, particularly within pharma or biotech. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed relationships with CDMOs or CMOs.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to talk about how you develop category strategies that align with long-term objectives. Think of examples where you've identified supplier gaps and built a strong supplier base, as this will show your strategic mindset.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Since the role involves managing multiple stakeholders, prepare to discuss how you've influenced decisions at various levels. Use examples that demonstrate your communication skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
