Category Manager (mfd) External Manufacturing Drug Product

Category Manager (mfd) External Manufacturing Drug Product/ Pharma/Basel/100%

Project: The Category Manager External Manufacturing Drug Product, Finished Goods is accountable for developing procurement strategies and leading initiatives for the Category on a global basis. As a member of the Category Management team the role is responsible for proactively leading and identifying opportunities, engaging, and partnering with senior business stakeholders and regional Procurement, and managing Category/Sub-Category suppliers to deliver the overall Category performance and savings targets. The Category Manager is accountable for the effective management of the category/sub-categories using the Clients category management approach, including the development, implementation, and maintenance of a formalized Category Strategy, category buying guides/content, and the overall delivery of high value savings targets. The role ensures input and operationalization of the Category Strategy by engaging with the Category and Supplier Management team, local and regional Procurement, and Business stakeholders to develop and validate the Category Strategy and pipeline of initiatives. The role also provides category/sub-category specific input to the development of category buying guides/content to translate the Category Strategy and initiative outcomes into clear, practical guidance/content for Procurement colleagues and Business Partners. The Category Manager is also responsible for building and maintaining Business Partner relationships with senior Business stakeholders and acts as a key point of contact for category/subcategory activities in the assigned categories. As part of the Category team the Category Manager has deep category/sub-category subject matter knowledge and expertise in Client's category and supplier relationship management (SRM) approach, the specific assigned categories, and works to ensure this knowledge is shared and Embedded to drive performance. The role has deep expertise in supporting the realization of Procurement targets, including delivery of high value sourcing, demand management, process re-engineering, and supplier performance and innovation activities. The role uses strong leadership, superb strategic agility, communication, and influencing skills to ensure stakeholder alignment and support to deliver the implementation of Category Strategies and initiatives. The Category Manager works to establish effective working relationships with local and regional Procurement to ensure alignment and the full realization of the benefits of the Category Strategy. Through the rigorous application of procurement techniques and partnering with local and regional Procurement as well as senior Business stakeholders, the Category Manager delivers significant Business value and Procurement impact.

The Perfect Candidate possesses significant expertise in CMO Management and contract negotiation. Fluency in English and experience with GMP are also essential requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing and CDMO site selection, including due diligence
• Conduct price negotiations and manage contracting of CMO agreements
• Drive Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) activities for CMOs
• Develop and operationalize category strategies, buying guides, and best practices
• Partner with local and regional procurement teams to ensure alignment and maximize business value

Requirements

• University degree in a scientific or business discipline (or equivalent)
• 5+ years of experience in CMO management or procurement in the CMO space
• Proven GMP experience
• Excellent contract negotiation skills with CMOs
• Strong communication skills (English fluent)
• Proficient in MS Office and Google Workspace
• Analytical mindset and strategic thinking

Languages:

• German (advantageous)
• English (C1)

Reference Nr: 924583MH
Rolle: Category Manager (mfd) External Manufacturing Drug ProductIndustrie: Pharma
Workplace: Basel
Pensum: 100%, some remote option within Switzerland
Start: 01.12.2025 latest 01.02.2026
Duration:6-9 Month, Extension optional

If this position has caught your interest, please send us your complete application dossier via the link in this advertisement.

About us:
ITech Consult is an ISO 9001:2015 certified Swiss company with offices in Germany and Ireland. We specialize in the placement of IT professionals for project-based assignments. Founded in 1997 by IT experts, we understand the importance of professional support when it comes to finding and executing projects successfully.