Category Manager - CRO

Dechra; Northwich; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Dechra is looking for a Category Manager for CRO and Lab Services within their Global Procurement Team. The role requires extensive experience in procurement and strategic sourcing, focusing on enhancing cost-effectiveness and supplier performance in a veterinary context. You will collaborate with various cross-functional teams, ensuring compliance and quality standards while maintaining strong supplier relationships. This position also offers the opportunity for occasional global travel and hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

33 days annual leave, inclusive of Bank Holidays

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in Procurement, Sourcing, or Category Management.
• Experience in CRO and lab services ideally in an international context.
• Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for CRO and lab services.
• Conduct market research for identifying potential CROs and laboratory service providers.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives through effective sourcing strategies.

Skills

Procurement

Sourcing

Strategic Sourcing

Market Intelligence

Supplier Negotiation

Regulatory Compliance

Tools

ERP Systems

Job description

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Why Dechra?

Thank you for checking out our vacancy, we’re delighted you want to learn more about joining Dechra.

A career at Dechra is different.Sure, we’re a growing global company with a presence in 27 countries but our purpose is simple – to achieve the sustainable improvement of animal health and welfare globally.

If you want to be part of a team that invests in your future and ensures you have the support to reach your full potential and thrive, please read on.

The Opportunity

The Category Manager Contract Research Organizations (CRO) & Lab Services is part of the Global Procurement Team within the Supply Chain function and reports to Head of Indirect Procurement. The Category Manager - CRO & Lab Services is responsible for leading, managing and optimising our procurement processes for Indirect Services which includes R&D (Research & Development) teams, Quality department and regulatory affairs.

The role collaborates closely with R&D teams to understand project requirements, timelines, and specific needs for research services. They also work with Quality Assurance teams to ensure the selected CROs and lab service providers meet regulatory standards and quality requirements. In addition, coordinating with regulatory affairs to ensure compliance with industry regulations and guidelines related to veterinary products and research.

Role Responsibility

So, what will you be doing? This role has a broad and varied remit and the successful candidate will have responsibility for duties including:

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for CRO and lab services to optimise cost, quality, and delivery timelines
• Conduct market research to identify potential CROs and laboratory service providers that meet the company's needs
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams e.g. R&D, Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance and Production teams to understand project requirements and identify procurement needs and drive efficiency in sourcing activities
• Drive cost reduction initiatives through effective sourcing strategies and supplier negotiations without compromising quality
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor and evaluate suppliers’ performance and the effectiveness of the category
• Lead initiatives to improve cost-effectiveness and optimize the procurement process
• Responsible for continuously gathering Market Intelligence to ensure market competitiveness and transparency of current terms of cooperation with suppliers
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key CROs and lab service providers to enhance collaboration and performance and ensure effective collaboration

The Candidate

Here at Dechra we pride ourselves on being an inclusive employer.We know that individuals’ unique background and experience can bring a wealth of variety and expertise to our global workforce. For this role, we’re particularly keen to hear from those who have/are:

• 5+ years’ experience in Procurement, Sourcing or Category Management with a focus on CRO and lab services ideally in an international (pharmaceutical) manufacturing organisation.
• Expertise in strategic sourcing in within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or veterinary sectors.
• Understanding of regulatory requirements relevant to veterinary products and research practices.
• Preferred if familiar with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards and other industry regulations.
• In-depth knowledge of procurement systems and best practices e.g. Working knowledge of multi-site ERP systems
• Experience in leading international procurement projects

Additional Information:

• Occasional global travel may berequiredwith this role.
• This role is based in Northwich/ hybrid

What we can offer you:

• 33 days annual (inclusive of Bank Holidays)