Global Category Lead, Manufacturing

Global Category Lead – Contract Manufacturing

The Global Category Lead – Contract Manufacturing is responsible for developing and executing the global category strategy for external pharmaceutical manufacturing partners. The role ensures contract manufacturing capabilities align with business priorities, pipeline needs, quality standards, and financial objectives.

The scope includes strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, and commercial governance across global Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs/CDMOs). The role liaises with the Head of External Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, and R&D to achieve sustainable value creation while balancing cost, supply continuity, risk, and operational flexibility.

• Stakeholder Engagement:
  Serve as the primary commercial interface between Procurement and External Manufacturing, CDMO Quality, Supply Chain, R&D, and Finance.
• Supplier Relationship Management:
  Identify, evaluate, and manage strategic supplier relationships to deliver innovation, quality, and cost efficiencies while fostering collaboration and compliance. Drive joint productivity, innovation, and continuous improvement initiatives with key suppliers.
• Cost, Value, and Operations Optimization:
  Deliver sustainable, multi‑year value creation beyond one‑time price reduction. Target of 10% YoY. Develop and apply cost transparency and should‑cost models to inform negotiations and decisions.
• Market Expertise:
  Maintain deep understanding of the global contract manufacturing market, including capacity trends, technology evolution, and cost drivers. Leverage market intelligence to inform sourcing strategies, negotiations, and risk mitigation plans.
• Category Strategy Development and Enterprise Leadership:
  Develop and implement global category strategies for research and pre‑clinical categories, ensuring alignment with business objectives and research timelines.
• People Leadership:
  Lead, coach, and develop category managers and sourcing professionals. Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. Build functional capability in strategic sourcing, negotiation, and supplier management.
• Governance, Compliance and Reporting:
  Ensure adherence to corporate procurement policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements, maintaining full audit readiness. Provide category performance insights, savings tracking, and KPI reporting to senior management.

• Bachelor's degree
• Exceptional negotiation and contract management skills
• Operational expertise (P2P, RFx, Negotiations, etc.)
• Project Management acumen with the ability to drive change and develop operational models
• Strong communication, relationship management, and influencing skills
• Category credibility (scientific degree, category experience, etc.)
• Cultural awareness and ability to work effectively in a global, matrixed environment

• Advanced degree (MBA, MSc, or equivalent) in life sciences or related field
• Understanding of the role of a global function within broader enterprise strategy

This position is based in Northbrook, Illinois. Remote work from any location in the US is available. Astellas offers a hybrid working solution that blends office presence with the flexibility to work from home.

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation and Sick time, plus national holidays and year‑end shutdown
• 401(k) match and annual company contribution
• Company‑paid life insurance
• Annual Corporate Bonus and Quarterly Sales Incentive for eligible positions
• Long‑Term Incentive Plan for eligible positions
• Company fleet vehicle for eligible positions
• Referral bonus program

$161,928 – $231,325 (final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including skill level, experience, and organizational equity considerations)