Associate Director - Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Development

Location: Dublin, Ireland (Hybrid - 2 days per week in office)

The Opportunity

As Associate Director, Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Development, you will be responsible for leading sourcing initiatives across a spend portfolio of approximately £400M, including £300M of direct spend supporting pharmaceutical manufacturing operations.

You will work closely with Category Managers, Buyers, Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Commercial leaders to optimise supplier performance, strengthen sourcing capability, and ensure a resilient supply network capable of supporting future business growth.

This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on execution and is ideal for an experienced procurement professional who thrives in fast-paced, evolving environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing and supplier development activities across direct and indirect procurement categories.
• Manage a complex spend portfolio valued at approximately £400M, including £300M supporting direct manufacturing operations.
• Develop sourcing strategies that support long-term supply network growth and business objectives.
• Partner with Category Managers and Buyers to drive savings, supplier performance and risk mitigation initiatives.
• Build and strengthen supplier relationships across key pharmaceutical manufacturing categories.
• Support procurement transformation initiatives and contribute to the rebuilding of organisational capability following recent restructuring.
• Develop procurement processes, governance and best practices to increase efficiency and scalability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders across Operations, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality and Finance.
• Support talent development and capability building within the wider procurement team.
• Contribute to the recruitment and development of procurement professionals as the function continues to expand globally.

Required Experience

• Significant experience within Strategic Sourcing, Category Management or Procurement leadership roles.
• Experience managing both Direct and Indirect procurement spend.
• Strong supplier development and supplier relationship management experience.
• Proven track record of influencing senior stakeholders and driving procurement strategy.
• Experience working within highly regulated industries such as Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, Life Sciences or Medical Devices.
• Strong commercial acumen and contract negotiation skills.
• Excellent leadership and change management capabilities.

Preferred Background

Experience supporting categories including:

• Pharmaceutical manufacturing
• External manufacturing
• Raw materials
• Packaging
• Operational and indirect spend categories

Why Join?

• Opportunity to shape the future of a growing procurement organisation.
• High visibility within a global business undergoing transformation.
• Significant strategic influence over supplier networks and sourcing initiatives.
• Career progression opportunities within an expanding global procurement function.
• Hybrid working model offering flexibility and work-life balance.