Indirect Procurement Category Manager

Syngenta; Bracknell; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural technology firm is seeking a Global Category Manager – Science to guide outsourcing strategies for R&D. You will oversee a significant spend, driving procurement innovation and managing supplier relationships. The ideal candidate has a strong background in Scientific R&D management, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders across a multinational environment. This role includes occasional international travel and offers a comprehensive benefits package including a generous pension scheme and extensive holiday.

Benefits

Generous pension scheme

Bonus scheme

Private medical insurance

Life insurance

Up to 31.5 days annual holiday

Training options

Excellent onsite facilities (gym, fitness classes, staff restaurant)

Qualifications

• Proven success in managing outsourcing within Scientific R&D.
• Experience leading cross-functional, international teams.
• Fluent in English; French and/or German are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the execution of the R&D Category Strategy.
• Build relationships with R&D leadership and key suppliers.
• Analyze spend and market trends for opportunities.
• Manage supplier relationships and performance metrics.

Skills

Project management

Leadership skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving ability

Multinational experience

Fluency in English

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, or related field

Tools

Data handling tools

Job description

Company Description

Syngenta Group, a global leader in agricultural technology and innovation, employs 60,000 people across more than 100 countries to transform agriculture through tailor‑made solutions for farmers, society, and our planet. Our diverse portfolio encompasses seeds, crop protection, nutrition products, agronomic solutions, and digital services, all designed to help farmers produce healthy food, feed, fiber, and fuel while conserving natural resources and protecting the environment. Our mission is to address critical challenges such as climate change and food security through sustainable practices and cutting‑edge solutions, while safeguarding the planet's resources.

Job Description

As Global Category Manager – Science, you will drive development and execution of outsourcing strategies in partnership with Syngenta’s Seeds and Crop Protection R&D organizations. You will manage a global category with over $270M in spend, focusing on sourcing strategies, process improvement, effective contracting and supplier relationships. Your expertise will help deliver procurement innovation, mitigate risks and drive value to Syngenta’s R&D teams.

Responsibilities/Accountabilities include, but are not limited to;

• Lead the execution of the R&D Category Strategy for CROs, ensuring alignment with Syngenta’s business objectives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with R&D leadership, procurement colleagues, Legal, Finance and key suppliers at regional and global level.
• Provide strategic direction, coaching, and motivation to a geographically dispersed team.
• Analyze spend and market trends to identify opportunities for value creation and risk mitigation.
• Lead cross‑functional, multinational sourcing projects and negotiations to secure contracts and deliver savings.
• Manage supplier relationships, including performance metrics (KPIs/SLAs), contract lifecycle, and annual pricing updates.
• Ensure operational compliance and manage third‑party risk across all relevant procurement activities.
• Commit to Syngenta’s Leadership Behaviours: Collaborate, Courageous, Curiosity, Accountable.

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven success in managing outsourcing within Scientific R&D (e.g., equipment, technology, consumables, chemicals, CRO services).
• Strategic thinker and effective problem solver.
• Strong project management and leadership skills, with experience leading cross‑functional, international teams.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to influence senior stakeholders.
• Experience working in a multinational, multicultural environment.
• Advanced analytical skills and proficiency with data handling tools.
• Results‑oriented with strong business acumen; thrives in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Fluent in English; French and/or German are a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, or related science field, plus solid experience working within a leadership or operational management role in R&D, contract research organisations, or Indirect Procurement.

Additional Information

Occasional international travel will be required.

What we offer

• Extensive benefits package including a generous pension scheme, bonus scheme, private medical & life insurance.
• Up to 31.5 days annual holiday.
• Learning culture and wide range of training options.
• Excellent onsite facilities (gym, fitness classes, staff restaurant)

Syngenta has been ranked as a top 5 employer and number 1 in agriculture by Science Journal.