Lorien
Director of Procurement
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Role: Procurement Director - R&D
Duration: 6 months
Location: London / Weybridge - Requires 2-3 days in the office
Our client is a leading global FMCG and Pharmaceutical organisation with a portfolio of market-leading brands and a strong commitment to innovation, quality, and scientific excellence. As part of an ambitious growth strategy, they are seeking an experienced Director of R&D Procurement to lead a critical global procurement function supporting Research & Development activities across multiple international markets.
Reporting into the Global Direct & Innovation Procurement leadership team, this role will take ownership of a significant global spend portfolio covering Clinical Research, Pre-Clinical Services, Laboratory Services, Testing, and R&D Outsourced Services, with responsibility for over £80m of spend globally.
This is a highly visible leadership role partnering with senior stakeholders across R&D, Supply Chain, Commercial, Finance, and External Suppliers to drive value, innovation, risk management, and long-term procurement strategy.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a comprehensive global procurement strategy for R&D outsourced services and laboratory categories.
- Lead strategic sourcing initiatives across a complex global supplier landscape.
- Deliver value creation through cost optimisation, innovation, quality improvements, and risk mitigation.
- Build strong partnerships with senior internal stakeholders to understand business priorities and align procurement strategies accordingly.
- Create compelling business cases and influence executive stakeholders to support strategic change initiatives.
- Lead contractual negotiations and work closely with Legal teams to execute complex commercial agreements.
- Drive supplier performance management and establish strategic partnerships with key vendors.
- Ensure sourcing strategies support regulatory compliance, business continuity, and assurance of supply.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing procurement team across multiple regions.
- Identify emerging market trends and supplier innovations to support future business growth.
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About You
You will be a strategic procurement leader with extensive experience operating within regulated environments and supporting R&D or Innovation functions on a global scale.
Experience Required
- Significant procurement leadership experience, including management of global teams.
- Deep expertise across R&D Outsourcing or Scientific Services procurement categories.
- Strong knowledge of supplier markets within the pharmaceutical, life sciences, healthcare, or FMCG sectors.
- Proven track record delivering global category strategies and measurable commercial benefits.
- Experience leading large-scale sourcing projects and complex contract negotiations.
- Demonstrated ability to influence and engage senior executive stakeholders across global organisations.
- Strong understanding of risk management, compliance, and governance requirements.
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Key Competencies
- Strategic sourcing and category management
- Executive stakeholder engagement
- Supplier relationship management
- Commercial negotiation
- Change management
- Project leadership
- Financial and commercial analysis
- Communication and influencing skills
- Team leadership and development
Apply Now
If you are an experienced procurement leader with expertise in R&D & Clinical Services or Scientific Procurement and are looking for your next strategic leadership opportunity, we would be delighted to discuss this position further.
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