Senior Category Manager in NONANTUM, Massachusetts

Senior Category Manager, R&D Procurement

12 month contract Must be able to work on a W2 Hybrid 3x per week in Waltham, MA

• Lead the development, execution, and management of global sourcing strategies for R&D-related spend categories.
• Develop relationships with internal stakeholders to understand procurement needs, identify sourcing opportunities, and provide guidance on sourcing policies, processes, and systems.
• Partner with senior stakeholders to develop and implement category sourcing strategies for R&D spend.
• Support R&D and clinical operations procurement activities, including sourcing materials and services for clinical trials and new product development initiatives.
• Manage supplier relationships, including supplier qualification, performance management, risk management, issue resolution, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead strategic sourcing activities including RFIs, RFQs, RFPs, supplier evaluations, total cost analyses, contract negotiations, and supplier selection.
• Develop and deliver against procurement performance objectives, including cost savings, cash flow improvements, supplier performance, and supplier diversity initiatives.
• Implement procurement systems, procedures, and best practices aligned with organizational objectives.
• Collaborate closely with Legal, Finance, and cross-functional stakeholders to support procurement initiatives.
• Negotiate commercial terms and preferred partnership agreements with suppliers.
• Manage multiple projects and cross-functional teams simultaneously in a complex global environment.
• Utilize ERP systems and procurement tools to support sourcing and supplier management activities.

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Business, or a related field required.
• 5-8 years of procurement, strategic sourcing, or related experience.
• Extensive experience supporting R&D procurement and clinical operations, including Phase 1-4 clinical trial support.
• Experience developing and managing GxP-aligned supplier strategies.
• Experience working with researchers, CROs, contract manufacturers, and technical stakeholders.
• Strong vendor management, supplier qualification, onboarding, and relationship management experience.
• Proven experience executing RFx processes in a cross-functional environment.
• Strong understanding of pharmaceutical or biotechnology research and development processes.
• Demonstrated success delivering measurable results in complex global organizations.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing multiple concurrent projects.
• Strong strategic sourcing, negotiation, conflict resolution, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience managing internal and outsourced service providers is preferred.
• Knowledge of GMP and/or GCP requirements.
• Proficiency with ERP systems such as Oracle or SAP and Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Project.
• Ability to develop, implement, and monitor sourcing performance metrics.
• Excellent project management, communication, presentation, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Professional procurement certifications (e.g., CPM) and participation in procurement-related professional organizations are preferred.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and drive business results in a matrixed environment