Category Manager - CMO
Join to apply for the Category Manager - CMO role at Dechra.
The Opportunity
The CMO Category Manager is part of the Global Procurement Team within the Supply Chain and reports to Head of Procurement. This position will be responsible for managing and optimizing our procurement processes for contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs). Working closely with internal stakeholders, including External Manufacturing Team, R&D, quality assurance, and supply chain teams, to ensure that the CMO procurement strategies align with the company's objectives and regulatory requirements. It is expected that the Category Manager will lead and contribute to enhancing operational efficiency and cost‑effectiveness while maintaining the highest product quality standards and compliance.
Responsibilities
* Collaborate with the External Manufacturing team in the development and implementation of sourcing strategies for contract manufacturing operations for Dechra products, predominantly pharmaceutical and diets.
* Collaborate with External Manufacturing Team in negotiation and manage contracts with CMOs to ensure favourable terms and conditions.
* Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to identify procurement needs and drive efficiency in sourcing activities.
* Monitor and evaluate supplier performance.
* Collaborate with the External Manufacturing team in conducting market analysis to identify potential suppliers and evaluate their capabilities and offerings.
* Lead initiatives to improve cost‑effectiveness and optimize the procurement process for contract manufacturing.
* Lead the category team comprising of Category Procurement Specialist(s).
* Build Group procurement best practices to identify and deliver sustained year‑on‑year pipeline of opportunities.
* Proactively partner and align with the External Manufacturing Team, Product Development, Regulatory, QC and Global Supply site teams, as well as support functions to ensure delivery of the strategic and operational needs of the business. Guarantees operational performance by being a proactive business partner.
* Responsible for continuously gathering Market Intelligence to ensure market competitiveness and transparency of current terms of cooperation with suppliers.
Additional Information
* Occasional global travel may be required with this role.
* This role is based in Northwich / hybrid.
Required Skills & Experience
* Experienced procurement professional with minimum 5 years of experience ideally in an international manufacturing organisation with category knowledge of CMOs / CDMOs / CROs or similar.
* Expertise in number of product‑related procurement categories within Pharmaceutical or other chemically regulated industry.
* In‑depth knowledge of procurement systems and best practices.
* Working knowledge of multi‑site ERP systems (Oracle / SAP preferred).
* Experience in leading international procurement projects.
* Good understanding of contractual terms and conditions.
* Good knowledge of suppliers market and environment.
* Bachelor's Degree in Life Sciences or supply chain management or equivalent work experience.
About the Company
If a career at Dechra has piqued your interest, find out more at Dechra careers.
Dechra is a growing, global specialist in veterinary pharmaceuticals. Our expertise is in the development, manufacture, marketing and sales of high quality products exclusively for veterinarians worldwide.
All applications received are reviewed by our internal talent acquisition team and we will get in touch if your skills and experience match what we're looking for. Should you not hear back from us within 28 days please don't be too disappointed – we may keep your CV on our database for any future vacancies that could be suitable, and we encourage you to keep an eye on our careers site. We value diversity within our global workforce and encourage an inclusive culture. Any questions or queries, please contact us.
Seniority level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Purchasing and Supply Chain
Industries
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Manufacturing, Food and Beverage Manufacturing
#J-18808-Ljbffr