Senior Category Manager (London, UK, United Kingdom, Aberdeen City)

THE POSITION

Acting globally and working cross‑functionally, the Senior Category Manager plays a key role in shaping sourcing strategies that ensure sustainable, competitive supply and high service quality for our interventional clinical trials. The role combines strategic responsibility for a global category with active supplier management, stakeholder engagement and continuous improvement of sourcing approaches.

Tasks and Responsibilities

You make a significant impact on the success of the Global Sourcing Clinical Development team by applying your strategic strength, persuasiveness and assertiveness. You will be responsible for sourcing activities within global Human Pharma’s clinical services categories.

You assume responsibility for a worldwide category, managed in a highly centralised manner, by consistently challenging the existing status quo. Identifying enhancements and convincing the upper management to follow new ways of working will be part of your responsibility

You act as global supplier manager for core service providers, establishing and enforcing a robust governance system to ensure compliance with industry standards and best practices.

One of the key aims of this role is to further develop and strengthen relationships with external strategic partners. In parallel, you closely monitor the market and identify suppliers that best fit business needs.

You continuously observe supply markets, search for new partners, service providers and solutions, while analysing and mitigating risks within the category.

You manage a high volume of sourcing requests independently and ensure successful negotiation outcomes. Resulting contracts are managed in close alignment with internal business partners.

You work closely with cross‑functional teams to implement cutting edge methods of working and contribute to improvements in speed, cost efficiency, value generation, use of new technologies and optimisation of buying channels

You support the development and upskilling of sourcing colleagues through training and mentorship.

Requirements

Experience in procuring services within a pharmaceutical or CRO and in a global sourcing context.

Strong experience in sourcing and operations related to early clinical trials is required.

Knowledge of market intelligence and sourcing practices related to Clinical Development services is an advantage; experience with fully outsourced trials is considered an additional asset.

Good understanding of established sourcing methodologies, including demand management, market and supplier analysis, compliance management, due diligence, risk management, supplier management, contract management and negotiation techniques.

Extensive experience in working on international projects and collaborating with cross‑functional teams consisting of internal and external partners.

A master’s degree in business administration or an equivalent professional qualification; candidates with a bachelor’s degree combined with relevant professional experience will also be considered

Open‑minded, motivated and persuasive approach, combined with strong internal and external relationship management skills and willingness to take on responsibility.

Team‑oriented mindset with the ability to work collaboratively in diverse, cross‑functional and international teams.

Strong communication skills in English; German language skills are an advantage.

Please note: This is a fully remote position, open to candidates based anywhere in the UK or Ireland. Occasional business travel to Germany is required several times per year to support key stakeholder interactions and strategic sourcing activities.

WHY THIS IS A GREAT PLACE TO WORK

Boehringer Ingelheim has been recognised as a Top Employer in the UK, demonstrating our commitment to building an exceptional workplace through strong people practices and supportive HR policies.

To learn more about why BI is a great place to work, visit:

https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.co.uk/careers/uk-careers/why-great-place-work

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