At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and category management for bioprocessing raw materials.
- Company: Join Lonza, a global leader in life sciences with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy an agile work environment, competitive pay, and diverse benefits.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the life sciences industry while driving innovation.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in strategic procurement required.
The predicted salary is between 66150 - 80850 £ per year.
As an Associate Director, Global Procurement Direct you will drive strategic sourcing and category management for Bioprocessing raw materials, leveraging market knowledge, supplier partnerships, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver cost, quality, innovation, and supply chain improvements while supporting business growth and operational excellence.
What you will get:
- An agile dynamic working culture
- An inclusive and ethical workplace
- Compensation programs that recognise high performance
- A variety of benefits dependent on role and location.
What you will do:
- Strategic Category Management: Lead sourcing, tendering, contract negotiations, and supplier management for raw materials, leveraging market intelligence to build a resilient and competitive supply base that supports innovation, quality, and business growth.
- Supply Risk & Business Continuity: Proactively identify supply chain risks, drive mitigation strategies, and lead cross-functional response plans to ensure continuity of supply, minimise disruption, and protect business performance.
- Stakeholder Partnership: Act as a trusted advisor to business leaders and key stakeholders, providing market expertise, sourcing insight, and strategic guidance to support new opportunities and informed decision-making.
- Supplier Performance & Development: Build strong supplier partnerships, drive performance improvements, review supplier effectiveness, and collaborate with sites to resolve quality, service, and supply challenges.
- Procurement Excellence: Support the implementation of global procurement strategies, policies, processes, and digital tools, while driving supplier performance measurement and continuous improvement initiatives.
What we are looking for:
- Basic understanding of preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance practices.
- Strong leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels, build consensus, and communicate effectively across global teams.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities, able to assess complex challenges, identify opportunities, and deliver practical, data-driven solutions.
- Proven ability to build and maintain strong global relationships, collaborating effectively with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and external partners across diverse markets and cultures.
- Demonstrated expertise in strategic procurement disciplines, including category management, supplier relationship management, contract management, commercial negotiations, and procurement systems and tools.
At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone’s ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that’s the kind of work we want you to be part of.
Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you’re ready to help turn our customers’ breakthrough ideas into viable therapies, we look forward to welcoming you on board.
Ready to shape the future of life sciences? Apply now.
Associate Director Direct Procurement employer: Lonza
Lonza in Slough is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a Senior Scientist, you will benefit from a culture that prioritises employee growth through continuous learning opportunities and hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies. The company's commitment to developing regulatory-compliant medicines ensures that your contributions are meaningful and impactful, making it a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director Direct Procurement
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Lonza.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director Direct Procurement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Lonza:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Lonza. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Lonza.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lonza
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Lonza!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Lonza. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Lonza's culture.
