• Contributes to the development of the end-to-end best-in-class sourcing strategies for a defined R&D portfolio of activities and proactively manages the supplier base, in alignment with the Global Category strategy for the spend area.
• Performs spend data collection via IT tool and/or by consulting Subject Matter Experts, data cleaning, assessment and analysis, as delegated.
• Conducts strategic sourcing and value creation initiatives, as delegated, that improve the quality of service and supply, resulting in cost savings across functional units and the supply network.
• Provides significant external supplier and market knowledge for the category.
• Champions commercial excellence, leads commercial negotiations, and develops Master Services agreements to ensure the best value by leveraging the required contracting and other relevant tools.
• Provides guidance and consultancy to stakeholders on best-in-class external supplier management, market intelligence and applicable process requirements.
• Ensures that partnerships with strategic vendors or within the category are well-established to achieve quality, supply value creation, and innovation targets.
• Contributes to the supplier's relevant sustainability initiatives.
• Collaborates with cross-functional contract managers to facilitate the delivery of the role’s purpose, taking and leading initiatives.
• Advocates, and complies with existing regulatory requirements and guidelines for all GxP activities.
• Perform administration type of tasks, including but not limited to tracker updates, record/collect savings, quality checks, generate & review reports (e.g. spent, contracting).

• Cultivate a solid understanding of technologies and scientific areas that will shape the future of the category.
• Provide insights into market dynamics, conduct benchmarking, assess the competitive landscape, and gather market intelligence to identify potential new partners.
• Contribute to the implementation of global strategies.
• Create persuasive business cases for change, including make-versus-buy analyses when necessary. Obtain approval and collaborate with finance on budget impacts.
• Lead strategic sourcing efforts, including tendering as needed, ensuring engagement from all stakeholders, and capturing requirements comprehensively. Provide supplier selection recommendations.
• Take charge of commercial negotiations within the defined scope. Develop commercial models based on business needs and strategic segmentation.
• Deliver Master Services agreements and maintain an approved list of preferred suppliers.

Ideal Candidate:

•Proven experience in strategic sourcing or category management, ideally within R&D or scientific environments.
•Strong commercial negotiation and supplier management skills.
•Ability to analyse spend, assess markets, and drive value‑focused decisions.
•Confidence working with cross‑functional teams and senior stakeholders.
• A proactive, strategic mindset with the ability to influence and deliver at pace.

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