Category Manager - Pharma Chemicals and CDMO

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Grace, a Standard Industries company, is a leading global supplier of catalysts, engineered materials and fine chemicals. We provide innovative products, technologies and services which our customers use to manufacture everyday products like renewable fuels, pharmaceuticals, toothpaste, cosmetics, food packaging, beer, edible oils and more. Our thousands of employees help shape a better future at our global headquarters in Columbia, MD and locations worldwide.

The Category Manager – Pharma Chemicals and CDMO is responsible for leading strategic sourcing initiatives for pharmaceutical raw materials, intermediates, APIs, and CDMO services. This role ensures optimal supplier selection, cost efficiency, and compliance with global regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will have deep industry knowledge, strong analytical capabilities, and proven experience managing complex supplier relationships in a regulated environment.

• You will lead a team of 2–3 Senior Supplier Relationship Managers located across major global regions.
• Our team culture is built on:
  • Collaboration & Trust:
    We foster open communication, shared accountability, and strong cross-functional partnerships.
  • Performance & Growth:
    We support professional development through mentorship, coaching, and stretch assignments.
  • Innovation & Insight:
    We value data-driven decision-making and encourage diverse perspectives to solve complex challenges.
  • Integrity & Impact:
    We operate with transparency and a commitment to delivering measurable results.
• Develop and execute category strategies for pharma chemicals and CDMO services.
• Lead supplier identification, qualification, negotiation, and performance management.
• Monitor market trends, regulatory changes, and supply risks to inform sourcing decisions.
• Negotiate contracts including MSAs, supply agreements, and quality agreements.
• Collaborate with R&D, Quality, Regulatory, and Manufacturing to align sourcing with project needs.
• Drive cost savings and value creation through strategic sourcing and supplier innovation.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, FDA, EMA, and other relevant regulatory standards.
• Maintain and report on KPIs including cost savings, supplier performance, and risk mitigation

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
• Advanced degree (MBA, MS, or PhD) preferred.
• Minimum5–8 yearsof strategic sourcing or category management experience in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Proven experience sourcing
  
  APIs, intermediates, excipients, and managing
  
  CDMO relationships.
• Experience with clinical and commercial manufacturing sourcing strategies.
• Familiarity with global supply chains, especially in India, China, and Europe.
• Strong understanding ofGMP,ICH guidelines,FDA/EMA regulations, and quality systems.
• Ability to assess supplier capabilities including technical transfer,scale-up, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent negotiation and contract management skills.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen; ability to interpret cost structures and market data.
• Proficiency in sourcing tools and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Analytics Cloud, Ariba, Salesforce).
• Effective communication and stakeholder management across technical and commercial teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Fluency in English; additional language skills (e.g., Mandarin, Hindi, Spanish) are a plus.
• #LI-RR1
• Life Insurance and Disability
• Grace Wellness Program
• Flexible Workplace
• Retirement Plans
• 401(k) Company Match
• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• Parental Leave (salaried only)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Company Donation Match Program

Grace is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Grace via email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Grace. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Grace as a result of the referral or through other means.