Category Manager - Pharmaceutical Industry (12-Month Contract)

Location: Europe (Remote/Hybrid)
Contract Length: 12 Months
Employment Type: Freelance / Contractor
Industry: Pharmaceutical / Life Sciences

Are you an experienced Category Manager with a proven track record of delivering procurement excellence within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or medical device sector?

We are supporting a leading global pharmaceutical organisation that is looking to engage an experienced procurement professional on a 12-month contract basis. This role offers the opportunity to drive category strategy, lead supplier engagements, and support critical business initiatives within a highly regulated life sciences environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category sourcing strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Lead strategic sourcing activities, including RFx processes, supplier selection, and contract negotiations.
• Manage supplier performance and build strong stakeholder relationships across multiple business functions.
• Identify cost optimisation opportunities while ensuring quality, compliance, and supply continuity.
• Support procurement transformation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Deliver procurement projects within regulated pharmaceutical environments.

Required Experience

• Proven experience as a Category Manager, Strategic Sourcing Manager, Procurement Manager, or Senior Buyer.
• Strong procurement background within Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Medical Device, or wider Life Sciences organisations.
• Previous freelance/contractor experience is essential - candidates must have successfully delivered procurement assignments on an interim, freelance, or consulting basis.
• Demonstrated experience managing high-value sourcing projects and supplier negotiations.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills across international teams.
• Experience working within highly regulated environments (GxP, GMP, FDA, EMA, or equivalent frameworks).

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Independent consultant, freelancer, or contractor currently operating within the life sciences sector.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, complex global organisations.
• Able to quickly assess business needs and deliver practical procurement solutions.
• Available to start within a reasonable timeframe and committed to a 12-month engagement.

If you are an experienced Life Sciences Procurement Contractor looking for your next long-term assignment, I'd love to hear from you. Apply today to discuss this opportunity in confidence.