Category Lead
Cpl Life Sciences Buckinghamshire, England, United Kingdom (On-site)
Job Title: Strategic Category Lead, Contract Development & Manufacturing
Job Type: Full-time, permanent position
Locations: Buckinghamshire, UK (hybrid)
Remuneration: Up to £80,000 + benefits
Are you ready to lead supplier strategy for one of the world’s most recognized healthcare innovators? A leading medical technology company is looking for a Strategic Category Lead to join their pharmaceutical diagnostic division and take ownership of sourcing and vendor management activities critical to the development of life-saving pharmaceuticals.
The Opportunity:
In this senior-level role, you'll play a pivotal part in the global R&D procurement function, focusing on sourcing and supplier partnerships for clinical trial materials across drug substance and drug product development. You'll be embedded within a high-performing sourcing team and work cross-functionally with R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, and Product Management leaders.
What You’ll Do:
- Lead strategic sourcing and supplier selection for R&D Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs)
- Develop category strategies that align with long-term clinical and commercial objectives
- Guide end-to-end contract lifecycle management, including negotiation, vendor onboarding, and compliance oversight
- Act as a key interface between internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure timely and compliant delivery of clinical trial materials
- Identify supplier gaps and proactively build a best-in-class supplier base across regions
- Contribute to global initiatives and implement continuous process improvements
Who You Are:
- A strategic thinker with a strong background in procurement, sourcing, or supplier management—ideally within pharma or biotech
- Experienced in managing relationships with CDMOs or CMOs
- Skilled in negotiating complex contracts, navigating regulatory frameworks, and collaborating with cross-functional teams
- Confident in managing multiple stakeholders and influencing decisions at all levels
- A strong communicator with a commercial mindset and deep understanding of R&D processes
Qualifications Snapshot:
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, with substantial industry experience
- Proven success in category management or strategic sourcing within CMC/Manufacturing category
- Solid knowledge of GMP, supplier compliance, and pharmaceutical development cycles
- Experience working within a preclinical or CRO environment.
- Experience in pharmaceutical research operations, compliance, clinical study execution and supplier management.
- Project management and leadership capabilities
- Willingness to travel internationally (approx. 15%)
Please apply within.
Please note you must hold the FULL right to work in the locations provided, this role does not provide job sponsorship or relocation.
Disclaimer: Due to an influx of applications, not every application can be provided feedback.