Category Manager

Keenova Therapeutics plc; United States; On-site; USD 111,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

Keenova Therapeutics plc is seeking a Category Manager for Direct Materials & Site Services to define and execute strategic sourcing across U.S. manufacturing networks. You will drive continuity, cost efficiency, and supplier partnerships for APIs, excipients, packaging components, and plant services.

The role requires strong analytic, financial, and negotiation skills, with experience using SAP, Coupa, and related CLM tools. Travel within the U.S. may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Life Sciences, or Business; advanced degree preferred.
• 7–10+ years of experience in pharmaceutical direct material sourcing (APIs, Excipients, Packaging Components).
• 4–6 years leading cross-functional teams in sourcing strategies for direct materials and/or site services.
• Experience managing direct material supplier relationships and negotiating complex supply agreements.
• Proficiency with procurement systems (Coupa, SAP, Ariba, Ivalua, Jaggaer) and spend analytics.

Responsibilities

• Develop sourcing strategies aligned to manufacturing needs.
• Design resilient supply networks considering capacity, cost, regulatory, and geographic risk.
• Lead business continuity planning including dual sourcing and disruption response.
• Collaborate with Legal to develop contracts and supplier agreements.
• Negotiate and manage supplier contracts and purchase orders.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Communication

Project management

Problem solving

Financial acumen

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Life Sciences, or Business

Tools

Coupa

SAP

Ariba

Ivalua

Jaggaer

Job description

Job Title Category Manager Requisition JR000016007 Category Manager (Open) Location Malvern, PA Additional Locations Bridgewater, NJ, Hazelwood, MO

Job Description Summary

The Category Manager, Direct Materials & Site Services Sourcing is responsible for defining and executing sourcing strategies for Direct Materials (e.g., APIs, Excipients, Packaging Components, etc.) utilized by our internal manufacturing network in addition to site services supporting those operations (e.g., uniforms, janitorial, energy, etc.). The role emphasizes business continuity, risk mitigation, and cost effectiveness across the product portfolio, and the development of high‑performing supplier partnerships that support reliable commercial supply. Must possess a high level of interpersonal, communication, analytic and financial skills to promote positive working relationships with business partners and suppliers to create long‑term value for the enterprise within the highest standards of the industry and in compliance with the law. Competency in project management to drive a fact‑based approach to deliver on commitments. The role must have a working knowledge of leading‑edge Procurement and Strategic Sourcing systems (e.g. SAP, Coupa), category management techniques, supplier management, and spend analytics.

Job Description Scope of Authority

Responsible for sourcing direct materials across the U.S.-based manufacturing network, as well as site services required to support ongoing plant operations.

Key Accountabilities

• Direct Materials & Site Services Strategic Sourcing Develop sourcing strategies aligned to manufacturing needs.
• Design resilient supply networks considering capacity, cost, regulatory, and geographic risk.
• Lead business continuity planning including dual sourcing, contingency planning, and disruption response.
• Integrate with Supply Chain planning, S&OP, and inventory strategies to ensure continuity.
• Initiate supplier discovery and develop productive strategic alliances and partnerships with leading edge suppliers to maximize buying leverage.
• Prepare competitive bids, quotations and proposals with pertinent specifications, terms and conditions.
• Evaluate competitive offerings to determine the overall best offer for a material or service; manage the analysis of proposals in support of the bid evaluation process.
• Collaborate with Legal to develop contracts and agreements for the supply of standard products and services with new and existing suppliers.
• Oversee the contract negotiation with suppliers (e.g., supply agreements, services agreements, amendments, extensions, statements of work, etc.).
• Manage and resolve contract and purchase order differences with suppliers.
• Support resolution of payment problems with suppliers and user departments.
• Review product availability and/or pricing information with suppliers.
• Achieve and contribute to each site’s annual savings goal.
• Identify cost reduction, cost avoidance, and cost containment opportunities.
• Analyze forecasted spend data to assist in the development of the appropriate procurement approach.
• Analyze supply market information and leverage this to make effective sourcing decisions.
• Utilize relevant procurement and contracting systems.

Relationship Management

Customer Relationships: Work closely with internal stakeholders to: Understand customer priorities. Develop with and agree upon sourcing strategies / plans and set expectations for effective value delivery. Help the customer understand and engage with Keenova’s procurement requirements. Develop supplier selection process with cross functional stakeholders. Establish standard process for the selection and approval of new projects.

Supplier Relationships: Develops internal and external relationships with suppliers and cross‑functional teams with regard to the following: Develop, establish, and maintain a supplier relationship system in alignment with Keenova’s Supplier Relationship Management Program Assist in developing supplier performance measurements using rating systems or predetermined standards. Support reviewing supplier samples and/or demonstrations with the functional management and user departments. Coordinate supplier visits and evaluations to determine suitability. Skillfully apply appropriate procurement approach in negotiations; independently prepare and lead negotiations to conclusion. Resolve quality problems with suppliers and functional groups and develop measurements for improvement and target setting. Coordinate, review and respond to supplier inquiries, protests and appeals. Provide insight input on supply chain inventory levels and supply issues.

Qualifications Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Life Sciences, or Business; advanced degree preferred.
• 7 – 10+ years of experience in pharmaceutical direct material sourcing (e.g., APIs, Excipients, Packaging Components, etc.).
• 4 – 6 years in a position leading cross‑functional teams in the development of sourcing strategies for direct materials and/or manufacturing site services.
• Proven experience managing direct material supplier relationships and negotiating complex supply agreements.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple complex projects.
• Experience utilizing procurement, contract lifecycle management (CLM), supplier management, and spend analytics platforms, including Coupa, Fairmarkit, Ariba, Ivalua, Jaggaer, SAP, IntelAgree, or similar solutions.
• Knowledge: Strong knowledge and skills with ERP, Procurement and Sourcing systems, MS Excel, MS Word, and MS PowerPoint.
• Effective communication skills to work professionally with internal and external personnel at all levels.
• Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability.
• Demonstrated knowledge of pharmaceutical manufacturing, the external manufacturing supply market, and the pharmaceutical industry.

Skills & Abilities

• Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Project Management – Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities. Manages / leads meetings; Excellent presentation skills, with strong influencing and persuasive talents.
• Interpersonal Skills – Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Teamwork – Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Change Management – Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change.
• Planning/Organizing – Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
• Quality – Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Adaptability – Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

Physical Requirements

Ability to work in an office environment. Ability to participate in virtual and in‑person meetings with internal stakeholders and suppliers. Travel: 10-20%.

Pay and Benefits

Keenova offers employees a Total Rewards package which includes competitive pay and benefits. To learn more about our Total Rewards benefits please visit: Keenova Careers | Serve and Grow with Purpose | Keenova.

The expected base pay range for this position is $111k - $178k. Please note that base pay offered may vary depending on factors including job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. This position is eligible for a bonus in accordance with the terms of the applicable program. Bonuses are awarded at the Company’s discretion.

Company Culture

At Keenova, we believe that no one should be alone in their pursuit of better health. This purpose drives us as we pair quality therapeutics with human support—showing up in big moments and small to help patients find comfort and confidence. We bring deep expertise and resolve to every therapeutic area we serve, including immunology, urology, men’s health, orthopedics, critical care, and pediatric endocrinology. We work with patients, care partners, and physicians to help them navigate healthcare system complexity and access therapies that make a meaningful difference. We are Keenova—keen to solve, keen to serve. Learn more at www.keenova.com. At Keenova, we know that we contribute to something that matters because we make quality products that impact patient lives. Our dynamic work environment provides unique experiences for employees to grow and develop. Invest in your own career with Keenova and let’s do something dynamic together.

Keenova provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; gender; gender identity; sexual orientation; religions practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; protected veteran status; disability; or any other category protected by law. Additional information on Keenova’s hiring practices may be found by clicking

#LI-HYBRID #LI-GN1