Global Category Manager Indirect

Pertemps are working with a leading multinational pharmaceutical manufacturer with 2,000+ employees and sites in 80+ countries they are looking for a Global Category Manager in Milan handling complex global contracts.

What we are looking for

Someone to contribute to shaping and executing purchasing strategy within the Marketing procurement domain, ensuring alignment with broader enterprise goals.

Act as a key liaison between sourcing functions and internal departments to translate operational needs into tailored supply frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive the formulation, rollout, and oversight of global sourcing strategies for the marketing spend area, working in close partnership with senior leaders across corporate divisions and aligning with overarching supply objectives.
• Deliver sustained enhancements in category performance through strategic sourcing, vendor innovation, and continuous process improvement.
• Engage with internal stakeholders to collect insights and effectively communicate the category direction across the organization.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives and oversee implementation of category-related programs and cost-efficiency actions.
• Perform comprehensive supplier market intelligence and benchmarking to uncover cost-saving opportunities, foster innovation, and streamline supplier portfolios.
• Lead high-stakes, multinational contract negotiations and oversee strategic vendor partnerships.
• Track and present category performance metrics and strategic progress to executive leadership.
• Integrate supply chain risk evaluation and mitigation into overall category planning.
• Serve as an advisor on procurement category strategy development.
• Assess and prioritize initiatives based on impact, and evaluate outcomes against predefined metrics.
• Identify cross-functional leverage points and opportunities for scaling value across categories.
• Cultivate strong stakeholder engagement to support strategic sourcing initiatives.

Leadership Attributes

• Take ownership of high-impact projects and strategic transformation programs.
• Build and use analytical models to guide leadership decisions.
• Manage stakeholder challenges and facilitate resolution pathways.
• Articulate communicator with strong presentation delivery.
• Skilled in influencing and managing complex supplier negotiations.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to conceptualize end-to-end category strategies.
• Demonstrated experience in procurement leadership, especially within category strategy domains.
• Flexibility to travel internationally (approx. 30 / 70).
• Fluent in English, with proficiency in productivity tools (e.g., MS Office Suite).
• Familiarity with enterprise resource systems (e.g., SAP).
• Educational background in Business, Economics, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Proven track record in strategic sourcing within corporate settings, preferably in highly regulated sectors such as life sciences or healthcare.
• Deep understanding of tendering processes, contractual frameworks, and commercial negotiations.
• Competence with digital procurement platforms and data analytics.
• Strong interpersonal skills and stakeholder relationship management capabilities.
• Performance-driven approach with resilience under pressure.
• Solution-oriented and analytical problem-solver.

Category Manager • Pavia, Lombardy, Italia