Senior Category Manager, External Manufacturing & CMO Sourcing

Job Title

Senior Category Manager, External Manufacturing & CMO Sourcing

JR Senior Category Manager, External Manufacturing & CMO Sourcing (Open)

Malvern, PA

The Senior Category Manager, External Manufacturing & CMO Sourcing is responsible for defining and executing enterprise sourcing strategies for Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs), Contract Packaging Organizations (CPOs), and other external supply partners. This role operates at the intersection of strategy and execution, partnering with Supply Chain, Technical Operations, Business Development, R&D, Quality, Legal, and Commercial teams to design and manage a resilient and scalable external manufacturing network.

The role emphasizes business continuity, risk mitigation, and cost effectiveness across the product portfolio, and the development of high-performing supplier partnerships that support reliable commercial supply and pipeline advancement. Must possess a high level of interpersonal, communication, analytic and financial skills to promote positive working relationships with business partners and suppliers to create long-term value for the enterprise within the highest standards of the industry and in compliance with the law.

Competency in project management to drive a fact-based approach to deliver on commitments. The role must have a working knowledge of leading-edge Procurement and Strategic Sourcing systems (e.g. SAP, Coupa), category management techniques, supplier management, and spend analytics. Enterprise responsibility for external manufacturing sourcing, inclusive of CMOs, CPOs, and any direct materials purchased by Keenova for use by these external manufacturing organizations.

Develop global CMO strategies aligned to pipeline and commercial needs. Design resilient manufacturing networks considering capacity, cost, regulatory, and geographic risk. Lead business continuity planning including dual sourcing, contingency planning, and disruption response. Integrate with Supply Chain planning, S&OP, and inventory strategies to ensure continuity. Support “make vs. buy” decisions and capacity planning across lifecycle stages. Initiate supplier discovery and develop productive strategic alliances and partnerships with leading edge suppliers to maximize buying leverage.

Prepare competitive bids, quotations and proposals with pertinent specifications, terms and conditions. Evaluate competitive offerings to determine the overall best offer for a product or service; manage the analysis of proposals in support of the bid evaluation process. Collaborate with Legal to develop contracts and agreements for the supply of standard products and services with new and existing suppliers. Oversee the contract negotiation with CMOs/CPOs (e.g., amendments, extensions, new supply agreements, etc.).

Manage and resolve contract and purchase order differences with suppliers. Support resolution of payment problems with suppliers and user departments. Review product availability and/or pricing information with suppliers. Achieve and contribute to the department’s annual savings goal. Identify cost reduction, cost avoidance, and cost containment opportunities. Analyze forecasted spend data to assist in the development of the appropriate procurement approach.

Analyze supply market information and leverage this to make effective sourcing decisions. Utilize relevant procurement and contracting systems.

Customer Relationships:
Work closely with internal stakeholders to:
Understand customer priorities. Develop with and agree upon sourcing strategies / plans and set expectations for effective value delivery. Help…