Manager, Sourcing Global External Supply Operations

Job Summary

The External Operations Category and Strategic Sourcing Manager is responsible for developing and implementing sourcing strategies, executing the end-to-end sourcing process, and delivering cost savings for contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs), contract packaging organizations (CPOs) and in-licensing partners. This role focuses on managing supplier due diligence, leading RFP/RFQ processes, negotiating commercial agreements, and ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic goals. He/She will also oversee category management activities, driving continuous improvements, cost optimization, and robust supplier relationships.

This role works collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including Supply Chain, Technical, Quality, Finance, to ensure sourcing decisions deliver value while maintaining compliance and operational excellence.

Job Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing

• Supplied Market Analysis: Conduct market research to identify suitable suppliers, assess industry trends, and understand cost structures to develop robust sourcing strategies.
• Supplier Due Diligence: Evaluate supplier capabilities, including technical, operational, and supply chain aspects, to ensure alignment with company requirements.
• RFP/RFQ Management: Develop and manage Requests for Proposal (RFPs) and Requests for Quotation (FRQ’s), ensuring clarity in scope, requirements, and evaluation criteria.
• Supplier Selection: Evaluate supplier responses, lead cross-functional assessments, and recommend sourcing decisions based on Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), quality, and risk criteria.
• Contract Negotiation: Negotiate key commercial terms, including pricing and conditions, to secure competitive agreements aligned with financial and operational goals.

Category Management and Delivering Savings

• Category Strategy Development: Define and implement category strategies for CMOs and CPOs to optimize supplier performance, drive innovation, and meet business objectives.
• Savings Delivery: Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities through strategic sourcing, supplier rationalization, and process improvements.
• Supplier Segmentation: Manage a portfolio of preferred suppliers, ensuring segmentation aligns with business priorities and resource allocation.
• Benchmarking and Cost Analysis: Utilize pricing benchmarks to ensure competitive pricing and improve negotiation outcomes.
• Performance Tracking: Monitor category performance metrics, including cost savings, quality, and supplier delivery, ensuring objectives are met.

Collaboration and Process Optimization

• Cross-Functional Engagement: Partner with Quality, Technical, Supply Chain, Finance, and Partner Relationship Management to align sourcing decisions with company objectives.
• Process Improvement: Drive continuous improvements in the sourcing process, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and alignment with company policies.
• Tool & Data Management: Leverage data analytics and tools to enhance decision-making

Job Requirements

• Education
  • Post-Secondary Degree in a related discipline, such as science, procurement, supply chain, or engineering.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Minimum 5 years’ experience in the Pharma industry, with supplier / sourcing
  • Strong analytical abilities and attention to detail, with strong to advanced Excel capabilities, and financial analysis.
  • Excellent understanding and significant experience of ERP/SAP processes and master data related to supply chain management.
  • Strong organizational, time management, and project management
  • Demonstrated experience in coordinating project activities.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively manage relationships and communicate both orally and in writing, technical and non-technical information to all organization levels.
  • Proven ability to function in a fast-paced and continuously changing