Senior Category Manager, Generic Injectable & Biosimilar Sourcing

Cencora, Inc.; Elm (PA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision care

Wellness programs

Training & mentorship

Job summary

Cencora, Inc. is seeking a Senior Category Manager to develop and manage strategic relationships with generic injectable and biosimilar manufacturers, leading contract negotiations and formulary sourcing strategies.

You will serve as a liaison between external partners and internal cross-functional teams, including Sales, Marketing, Finance, Legal, and Supply Chain. A background in generic sourcing/learnings and strong negotiation skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Four-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Deep knowledge of pharmaceutical wholesale/distribution and generics.
• Strong negotiation and financial analysis skills.
• Experience leading supplier contract negotiations.
• Ability to liaise with Sales, Marketing, Finance, Legal and Supply Chain.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage strategic relationships with generic injectable and biosimilar manufacturers.
• Lead supplier contract negotiations and formulary sourcing strategies.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams and represent company in executive engagements.
• Manage trade affairs and support launches; ensure supply continuity across networks.
• Conduct manufacturer business reviews and resolve commercial challenges with minimal supervision.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Financial acumen

Strategic sourcing

Relationship management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Contract management software

Job description

If you want to make a difference at the center of health, come join our innovative company and help us improve the lives of people and animals everywhere. The Senior Category Manager is responsible for developing and managing strategic relationships with external generic pharmaceutical injectable and biosimilar manufacturers, creating mutual value for Cencora and the manufacturer(s). This individual will lead supplier contract negotiations and be responsible for formulary sourcing strategies. This individual will also serve as a key liaison between Cencora’s external manufacturing partners and internal cross‑functional teams, including Sales & Marketing, Finance, Legal, and Supply Chain. This role requires a deep understanding of the generic sourcing and/or manufacturing space, strong financial acumen, and strong negotiation skills. This individual should be able to lead manufacturer business reviews, resolve commercial challenges with little support from management, and effectively represent Cencora in executive‑level engagements.

Negotiates distribution service contracts on behalf of Cencora Global Procurement. This individual should be proficient in redlining contracts, be able to consolidate feedback from multiple stakeholders, and effectively manage the contracting rigor this position requires. This individual should be familiar with wholesale/distribution contract terminology and implications.

Enhance / build-upon the strategic sourcing relationships that already exist with mature generic injectable and biosimilar manufacturers, while also managing customer expectations and Cencora related programs.

Manage trade affairs, which includes: supporting the commercialization of new generic & biosimilar launches, solve for supply disruptions to preserve a strong outbound service level, ensure inventory is stocked appropriately across Cencora’s Full-Line and Specialty distribution networks, and assist with disputes and/or issues between supplier and the Cencora enterprise.

Work cross-functionally with internal departments such as: commercial sales team, Marketing, Finance, Legal, Replenishment Ops. and other Supply Chain Management entities to promote the best interests of Cencora and those we serve.

Represents Cencora favorably with suppliers and acts as an advocate for company interests relative to suppliers' actions and policies.

Overtime, learn and promote several sourcing programs resulting in increased value for both Cencora and its customers.

Requires broad experience in fields such as business administration, accountancy or finance, sales, marketing, or similar vocations , generally obtained through completion of a four-year bachelor's degree program or equivalent combination of experience and education.

Outstanding knowledge of pharmaceutical wholesale/distribution segment. This includes familiarity with the products being sourced (generic injectables and biosimilars), having relationships within the supplier base, and deeply understanding the purchasing model/financials. It would be helpful if this individual understands the filing pathways to obtain regulatory approval and is familiarity with FDA audits.

Knowledge about Cencora’s distribution network, (full-line and specialty), in addition to understanding Cencora’s Specialty GPO’s would be valuable.

Financial / analytical perspective to be able to evaluate deals and support contract negotiations (may include cost / benefit analysis, risk / reward assessment, etc.).

Excellent computer skills in order to operate effectively with company systems and programs; deep knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and Outlook.

Working knowledge of sales, purchasing, supply chain management and/or inventory management principles and methodologies

Exceptional relationship management and contract management capabilities, including discipline to departmental processes and procedures

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing

In addition to traditional offerings like medical, dental, and vision care, we also provide a comprehensive suite of benefits that focus on the physical, emotional, financial, and social aspects of wellness. This encompasses support for working families, which may include backup dependent care, adoption assistance, infertility coverage, family building support, behavioral health solutions, paid parental leave, and paid caregiver leave. To encourage your personal growth, we also offer a variety of training programs, professional development resources, and opportunities to participate in mentorship programs, employee resource groups, volunteer activities, and much more.

Full time Equal Employment Opportunity

Cencora is committed to providing equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or membership in any other class protected by federal, state or local law.

Therefore, harassment is prohibited and all matters related to recruiting, training, compensation, benefits, promotions and transfers comply with equal opportunity principles and are non-discriminatory.

Cencora is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the employment process which are consistent with legal requirements.