Location: Dudley, Northumberland, UK
Department: Manufacturing and Supply
Reference: VN1116
Vacancy Name: Category Manager.
Summary Of Category Buyer Role
* The job holder will be responsible for the sourcing and purchasing of indirect goods and services, including opex and capex from approved suppliers to agreed specifications in a cGMP environment
* To provide an effective and efficient procurement service for the Dudley site for all indirect goods and services
* To supervise and mentor Category Buyers within the team
* To oversee all aspects of Procurement within their area
Responsibilities
HSE:
* Comply with all HSE requirements including safety policies and procedures
* Conduct HSE audits as required and ensure CARE forms are raised
Operational
* Support all internal customers through rapid response to enquiries regarding pricing/availability
* Identify new sources of supply and approve via company compliance procedures to both support projects and provide second sources to provide security of supply
* Source and negotiate optimum prices from approved suppliers within agreed budget and specification standards and to control inventory levels
* Negotiate with regard to terms and conditions of purchase including price and payment terms
* Order and expedite supply to support manufacturing and sales plan
* Provide supply agreements and contracts in conjunction with various departments
* Provide an efficient order placement service for all internal customers
* Carry out assigned SAP transactions in an accurate and timely manner
* Monitor and analyse market trends in supply/prices
* Monitor and develop the performance of suppliers through KPI and develop supplier strategic partnerships
* Set standard prices in conjunction with Finance
* Resolve commercial issues arising from complaints
* Ensure suppliers are onboarded compliantly and development actions closed out
* To assist with the importation and customs clearance of goods on behalf of SPSL and support any HMRC regulatory requirements
Inventory Management
* Ensure inventory levels of stock items are maintained at the minimum level without jeopardising manufacture
People
* Manage and lead a small team of Category Buyers and Apprentices including mentoring.
Financial
* Key performance indicator is demonstrating savings, supplier credit days, schedule adherence and stock turns
Key Requirements, Skills And Competencies
* Graduate or equivalent
* Good knowledge of the global Chemical Industry as a supply base
* Experience of procurement and supply chain management systems ideally gained in the chemical or pharmaceutical industry
* Ensure the purchasing process is followed (RFQ) for high value orders
* Good knowledge of modern purchasing techniques
* Strong IT skills are required including a detailed understanding of SAP
* Experience of working in a cGMP environment
* Minimum 5 years purchasing experience in a chemical, engineering or pharmaceutical environment, with technical background
* Good negotiation skills
* Good communication & interpersonal skills
* Organisational skills
* Problem solving
* Decision making
* Eager to pursue learning and self-development
* Ability to interact with all Customers as well as Suppliers
* Financial awareness especially with respect to inventory value and Cash flow
We also require candidates to be competent with IT systems, and in particular Microsoft Office including Outlook, PowerPoint, Word and Excel.
You will receive
A competitive salary, pension scheme, private healthcare, reward gateway (discounted retail vouchers), cycle to work, 26 days annual leave and bank holidays, death in service coverage, on-site health and wellbeing support with medical consultation and physiotherapy, 24/7 employee assistance programme. Training and opportunities for further career development.
Why consider Sterling?
Sterling Pharma Solutions is a global contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) with more than 50 years’ experience in developing and manufacturing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). This is complimented by Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) research and development bioconjugation services.
We are a fast growing, dynamic business with facilities in the UK and the US, where we employ more than 800 talented and passionate people who support our customers in bringing new medicines to market, improving and saving the lives of patients.
Our culture and our way of working is what really sets us apart as a business; we aim to deliver an exceptional experience to our customers and our employees. You can expect to be part of a supportive team, all working towards a shared goal: to deliver first-class science and service to our customers every day.
Sterling Pharma Solutions is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief.
Be caring. Be transparent. Be willing. Be reliable.
Deadline for applications: 04 Jul 2025
Apply now #J-18808-Ljbffr