At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for life-saving materials and ensure seamless supply chains.
- Company: Join a leading biotechnology company driving innovation in healthcare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on clinical trials and R&D in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement within biotech or life sciences; strong negotiation skills.
Drive life‑saving innovation by ensuring a seamless, compliant, and cost‑efficient global supply of critical clinical and manufacturing materials.
R&D Partners is seeking a Global Senior Procurement Specialist to join a leading biotechnology company. This role is critical in ensuring the uninterrupted, compliant, and cost-effective supply of clinical laboratory and manufacturing materials, outsourced testing services, and specialist life science services. The position collaborates closely with Clinical Operations, Research, Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, Legal, Finance, and Manufacturing teams to support Clinical Development, R&D, and Manufacturing operations. This position includes 2 days working on-site.
Please note that to be considered for this role you must have the right to work in this location.
Responsibilities:
- Lead procurement activities for clinical trial materials, laboratory consumables, raw materials, reagents, packaging, reference standards, and outsourced testing services.
- Ensure continuity of supply for clinical studies, R&D activities, and commercial manufacturing by proactively identifying and mitigating supply risks.
- Develop strategic relationships with suppliers, including CROs, testing laboratories, and specialist service providers.
- Manage sourcing activities such as RFx processes, supplier selection, tender evaluation, negotiations, contract awards, and onboarding.
- Perform cost analysis and establish benchmarks to support robust sourcing decisions.
- Drive cost optimization and value creation through effective negotiations, demand management, and supplier collaboration.
- Identify alternative suppliers and dual-sourcing strategies to mitigate commodity and raw material risks.
- Support supplier qualification and approval activities in collaboration with QA, ensuring compliance with GMP, GDP, and GCP standards.
- Implement supplier‑managed inventory and risk mitigation initiatives for critical materials.
- Develop and maintain Procurement SOPs to ensure continuous improvement, inspection readiness, and audit compliance.
- Maintain procurement master data, including materials, suppliers, pricing, and contracts, within the Oracle NetSuite ERP system.
Key Skills and Requirements:
- Proven experience in procurement within pharmaceutical, biotech, or life sciences industries, with exposure to clinical, R&D, and manufacturing materials.
- Strong knowledge of GMP and GDP requirements; GCP exposure is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated expertise in sourcing clinical trial supplies, laboratory consumables, raw materials, reagents, and outsourced testing services.
- Experience with biological starting materials, specialized technical raw materials, or analytical-testing service providers is a strong advantage.
- Advanced Power BI knowledge.
- Strong analytical, negotiation, and supplier management skills.
- Collaborative and consultative communication style with the ability to influence cross‑functional teams.
- Fluent in English; additional languages are desirable but not essential.
- Degree qualified and/or MCIPS qualified (or working towards).
For more information, please contact Emma Miles.
Global Senior Procurement Specialist employer: R&D Partners
R&D Partners is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee development and fosters a collaborative work culture. With a focus on innovation in the healthcare sector, we offer comprehensive training programs and opportunities for career advancement, all while supporting our team with flexible travel arrangements. Join us in making a meaningful impact in medical diagnostics and enjoy the unique advantage of working alongside passionate professionals dedicated to improving patient care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Senior Procurement Specialist
✨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 R&D Partners.
✨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 Global Senior Procurement Specialist
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 R&D Partners:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to R&D Partners. 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 R&D Partners.
How to prepare for a job interview at R&D Partners
✨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 R&D Partners!
✨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 R&D Partners. 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 R&D Partners's culture.
