Category Manager jobs in New London, CT

Inclusively is partnering with a pharmaceutical and biotechnology corporation to hire a Category Execution Manager (R&D Sourcing).

ABOUT INCLUSIVELY:

Inclusively is a digital tech platform that connects candidates with disabilities, who may benefit from workplace accommodations, to inclusive employers. This includes all disabilities under the ADA, including mental health conditions (e.g. anxiety, depression, PTSD), chronic illnesses (e.g. diabetes, Long COVID), and neurodivergence (e.g. autism, ADHD). Applicants with one or more of these conditions are encouraged to apply; Inclusively does not require applicants to disclose their specific disability.

Role Summary:

The Category Execution Manager is responsible for delivering exceptional category value to stakeholders through managing the execution of global category strategies. They are responsible for implementation of new sourcing strategies that meet the needs of the internal customers and suppliers.

The Category Execution works closely with the Category Manager(s) for relevant Categories.

This role provides category execution sourcing and procurement support for Research and Development (R&D), with a primary alignment to the R&D Pharmaceutical Sciences Zone organizations. Sourcing Categories and areas of focus and support for this role cover outsourced scientific services and clinical manufacturing including: Chemistry Services (small molecule synthesis development and manufacture); Biologics Drug Substance development and manufacture; Drug Product Development and Manufacture (large and small molecule); Clinical Supply Chain Services; Medical Devices Services; and Analytical Testing Services. Role may also provide support in other S&ES categories, projects and initiatives as needed determined by team, stakeholder needs, and as directed by Manager.

Key responsibilities:

Category Strategy Execution:

• Provides guidance for the delivery of exceptional category value to stakeholders through the execution of global category strategies

• Support category execution plans aligned to the organization's strategic objectives and drive cost savings, process improvements, and innovation

• Leads / Co-leads end-to-end management of high or medium complexity category initiatives (and provides relevant guidance for low-complexity initiatives which other parts of S&ES may execute)

• Engage with respective stakeholders and coordinate with Category Manager(s) to act as the organization's execution arm

• Manage workflow management tools, intake requests segmentation and own end to end project tracking

• Ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements across all procurement activities

Sourcing Process Ownership:

• Manage the execution of entire sourcing process from identifying suppliers, implementation of new sourcing strategies, aligning with supplier and internal customer needs

• Lead the development of RFXs, which may include Request for Proposals (RFPs), Request for Quotations (RFQs) or Request for Information (RFIs) and coordinate with stakeholders to clearly define scope, objectives, evaluation criteria, and ensure that the RFX meets all requirements and timelines

• Lead the activities associated with identifying potential suppliers, conducting market research and supplier assessments to evaluate supplier capabilities, pricing, reliability, and capacity

• Manage the communication of internal stakeholders of the RFX to potential suppliers and respond to supplier inquiries, maintaining a professional and positive relationship with suppliers throughout the process

• Lead / Co-lead with CM the conversations with suppliers to negotiate and finalize contracts, ensuring that all contractual terms and conditions are met

• Manage RFX and eSourcing capability with standard global templates that can be leveraged regionally

• Comprehensive knowledge of market trends, industry best practices, and emerging technologies related to standard sourcing, contracting & savings processes in the execution process

• Provides support for regular business reviews to track performance, identify areas for improvement, and ensure excellent value is delivered in terms of performance, cost savings, cost avoidance, and cycle time to source spend

Contracting Process Ownership:

• Manage end-to-end contracting processes and procedures in line with industry best practices

• Manage the contract drafting / redlining process

• Manage the guidance and communication to business stakeholders on the contracting process, including contract review, negotiation, and execution

• Ensure all contracts are properly executed, stored, and maintained in a centralized contract management system

• Collaborate with Legal, other subject matter experts and S&ES teams to manage contract renewals, amendments, and terminations

• Provide feedback to Legal to help support the development & improvement of standard contract templates, clauses, and terms and conditions used for R&D Categories

Supplier Relationship Management:

• Support CMs to execute the elements Supplier Management process in accordance with program guidelines.

• Utilize Continuous Improvement to drive the resolution of issues and improve supplier performance.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations & Supply Chain Management, Scientific, Technical or a related discipline.

• Strong understanding of the end-to-end procurement process, including category execution, strategic sourcing and supplier management

• Ideally has knowledge and experience of Pharmaceutical R&D and outsourcing of R&D goods/services

• Skills in managing complex, cross-functional projects and teams to execute strategic sourcing strategies and enable supplier identification, selection and decision-making process

• Skills to manage business operations, client engagement and customer relationship management

• Understanding of the industry and market trends necessary to contribute to and make informed decisions about sourcing strategies and supplier selection (partnering with CM)

• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage procurement contracts, including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating terms and conditions, tracking and managing contract deliverables, and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements

• Familiarity with eSourcing and procurement tools and technologies

• Excellent communication skills to effectively negotiate and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and communicate with internal stakeholders and subject matter experts to collaborate and drive value and innovation.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities simultaneously

• Comfort with ambiguity & be able to quickly adapt to changing market and internal conditions

• Effective project management, communications skills and interpersonal skills

• Business English required

Preferred Qualifications

• Procurement & Supply related Certifications preferred: CPSM, CPM, PMP, MCIPS

• Similar procurement/sourcing experience with similar Blue-chip organization

• Scientific or technical bachelors degree and/or relevant scientific / technical experience directly relevant to the Sourcing Categories for this role preferred.

• MBA or Master’s degree in strategy, management, or related field is a plus

Note: CPSM: Certified Professional in Supply Management; CPM: Certified in Planning Management; PMP: Project Management Professional; MCIPS: Masters in Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply

Experience

• Typical Years of Experience: 5 years of experience in sourcing & procurement with a good experience in category execution (3 yrs for MBA/MS).

• Ideally has experience sourcing scientific & clinical manufacturing services relevant to this role in a R&D and/or Pharma or Life-Science organization.

• Experience and demonstrated success in building partnerships and connections with business leaders to execute strategies.

• Experience in effective supplier performance, contract compliance and SLA management

• Demonstrated capability to thrive in a complex environment

• Experience in conducting varying levels of complex negotiations

• Demonstrated problem-solving, collaboration and influencing skills

Knowledge

• Awareness of business & S&ES strategic priorities (category, service, and other initiatives)

• Strong communication skills

• Strong understanding of Category execution

• Knowledge of standard sourcing, contracting & savings processes

• Ability to drive coordination between subject matter experts (ex. Legal, Quality, Privacy, Information Security, EHS etc…) and business stakeholders for contract completion

• Knowledge of procurement systems, processes, procedures

• Experience in project management, including the ability to contribute to multiple cross-functional projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines

• Understanding of the supplier landscape (by category as relevant)

• Knowledge of analytical skillsand comfort with standard analytical methods and tools (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Access)

• Proficiency in PowerPoint, Excel, Word and other relevant software

• Knowledge of communication platforms

• Knowledge of Third Party Risk Management (TPRM)

NON-STANDARD WORK SCHEDULE, TRAVEL OR ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

· Occasional international calls outside of normal business hours

· Will require some domestic/international travel to suppliers and other sites from time to time (estimated at <15% of time but may vary depending on priorities).

Work Location Assignment: Flexible

Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person