Sr Category Manager, Contract Manufacturing, GSP
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Sr Category Manager, Contract Manufacturing, GSP based in United States.
This strategic sourcing role is focused on shaping and executing category strategies for external manufacturing within a highly complex, regulated biotech environment. The position plays a critical role in managing relationships with contract manufacturing organizations (CDMOs/CMOs) across drug substance, drug product, or packaging segments, ensuring supply continuity, cost efficiency, and regulatory compliance. You will act as a key connector between procurement, technical operations, quality, and supply chain teams to align sourcing strategies with both scientific and commercial needs. The role requires a strong balance of hands-on sourcing execution and long-term category development, with responsibility for supplier performance and risk mitigation. It operates in a global, matrixed environment where decisions directly impact product availability for patients with rare diseases. This is a high-visibility role with significant influence over external manufacturing strategy and operational resilience.
Accountabilities:
- Develop and execute category strategies for assigned external manufacturing segments such as drug substance, drug product, or packaging.
- Lead end-to-end strategic sourcing activities including RFx processes, supplier evaluation, negotiations, and contract execution.
- Manage CDMO/CMO selection processes, including technical, regulatory, quality, and capacity due diligence.
- Drive make-versus-buy decisions, supplier selection, and capacity planning aligned with pipeline and commercial requirements.
- Lead contract negotiations covering pricing, SLAs, IP protection, governance models, and technology transfer agreements.
- Partner with technical operations, quality, supply chain, and regulatory teams to align sourcing strategies with operational and compliance needs.
- Monitor supplier performance and implement strategies to improve cost efficiency, service levels, and supply reliability.
- Develop risk mitigation strategies including dual sourcing, diversification, and supply continuity planning.
- Conduct market intelligence analysis on CDMO capabilities, pricing trends, regulatory changes, and industry dynamics.
- Prepare and present sourcing strategies, savings outcomes, and supplier performance insights to senior leadership.
- 5+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or category management within biotech, pharmaceutical, or related manufacturing environments.
- Experience managing or supporting external manufacturing sourcing (CDMO/CMO), ideally across drug substance, drug product, or packaging.
- Strong understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, including biologics and/or small molecule production.
- Knowledge of GxP environments and regulatory frameworks such as FDA, EMA, and ICH guidelines.
- Proven experience leading sourcing events, supplier negotiations, and complex contract structuring.
- Strong analytical capabilities including spend analysis, cost modeling, and supplier evaluation.
- Ability to operate effectively in cross-functional, matrixed global environments.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to deliver value beyond cost savings, including risk and performance optimization.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including executive-level presentations.
- Bachelor’s degree required in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Life Sciences, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
- Competitive compensation package aligned with experience and industry benchmarks.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
- Opportunity to work in a mission-driven organization focused on rare disease therapies.
- Exposure to global, high-impact supply chain and manufacturing strategies.
- Strong career development opportunities within a complex biotech environment.
- Collaborative, cross-functional work culture with high visibility to leadership.
- Involvement in strategic decisions impacting supply continuity and patient outcomes.
- Flexible work arrangements depending on role and business needs.