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# Senior Category Manager – Global Sourcing (Clinical Development)
About The Role
Acting globally and working cross-functionally, the Senior Category Manager plays a key role in shaping sourcing strategies that ensure sustainable, competitive supply with high service quality for interventional clinical trials. This role combines strategic responsibility for a global category, supplier management, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement of sourcing approaches.
Key Responsibilities
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Strategic Sourcing Leadership
- Apply strategic, persuasive, and assertive strength to influence global sourcing strategies within Human Pharma’s clinical services categories.
- Challenge the status quo by identifying enhancements and driving adoption of new working methodologies.
- Lead highly centralised global category management with a focus on innovation.
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Supplier & Governance Management
- Act as the global supplier manager for core clinical service providers, ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices.
- Establish and enforce a robust governance system for supplier accountability.
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Market & Partner Development
- Strengthen relationships with external strategic partners and proactively monitor the market to identify ideal suppliers and solutions.
- Conduct supply market analysis, assess risks, and mitigate category-wide threats.
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Sourcing Execution & Negotiation
- Independently manage a high volume of sourcing requests, negotiating favourable terms and ensuring contract success.
- Align contract management with internal business partners for seamless integration.
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Process & Team Improvement
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement cutting-edge methodologies, improving speed, cost efficiency, value generation, technology adoption, and buying channel optimisation.
- Train and mentor sourcing colleagues to foster professional growth.
Requirements
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Industry & Sourcing Experience
- Proven track record in procuring services or goods, preferably in pharmaceutical, biotech, or similarly regulated environments.
- Experience in global sourcing contexts with knowledge of Clinical Development services (preferably early-stage trials).
- Familiarity with fully outsourced clinical trials is a major advantage.
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Technical & Methodological Skills
- Strong understanding of sourcing methodologies, including:
- Demand management
- Market & supplier analysis
- Compliance management
- Due diligence & risk assessment
- Supplier & contract management
- Advanced negotiation techniques
- Strong understanding of sourcing methodologies, including:
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International & Collaborative Work
- Extensive experience working on cross-border projects and collaborating with diverse, internal/external teams of HR, finance, and commercial stakeholders.
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Education & Professional Background
- Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) or equivalent professional qualification.
- Bachelor’s degree + considerable relevant experience will also be considered.
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Soft Skills & Mindset
- Persuasive, open-minded, and proactive with a go-getter attitude.
- Strong internal & external relationship management skills.
- Team-oriented with the ability to thrive in international settings.
- Fluent in English (written & spoken); German knowledge is a plus.
Working Arrangements
- Fully remote position, open to candidates based in the UK or Ireland.
- Option for travel to Germany (occasional, 2–3 times per year) to engage with key stakeholders and sourcing partners.
Why Join Boehringer Ingelheim?
Boehringer Ingelheim is a Top Employer in the UK, known for: ✔ Exceptional workplace culture and supportive HR policies ✔ A commitment to innovation, diversity, and professional growth
For more insights into life at BI, visit: https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.co.uk/careers/uk-careers/why-great-place-work
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