Category Manager
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.
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