Global Category Manager – Packaging

POSITION PURPOSE

The Global Category Manager – Packaging is accountable for the end-to-end management of the packaging category (primary and secondary) across all Zentiva operations. This includes the development and execution of global sourcing strategies, supplier relationship management, budget ownership, risk mitigation, innovation enablement, and sustainability integration.

This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, cross-functional leadership, and deep expertise in packaging technologies, supply markets, and procurement best practices.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Strategic Category Management: Develop and execute a multi-year global packaging strategy (blisters, bottles, vials, cartons, leaflets, labels), conduct market intelligence and supplier benchmarking, lead category governance, and drive supplier base optimization, specification harmonization, and sourcing standardization.
• Business Partnering & Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the strategic procurement partner for Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, and Finance; support new product introductions and packaging development; influence decisions through TCO analysis, risk assessments, and business cases.
• Budget Ownership & Financial Performance: Own the annual packaging budget, monitor spend vs. forecast, deliver savings through negotiation, value engineering, and demand management, track PPV, and ensure predictability aligned with long-range planning.
• Supplier Relationship Management (SRM): Develop global supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, manage performance, and implement SRM frameworks (segmentation, scorecards, QBRs); monitor supplier quality, innovation, ESG, and qualify new partners for competitiveness and continuity.
• Risk Management & Compliance: Identify and mitigate supply, geopolitical, regulatory, and financial risks through dual sourcing, inventory buffers, and alternative materials; ensure compliance with GMP/GDP, internal policies, and external regulations.
• Digital Procurement & Analytics: Use e-sourcing, spend analytics, and dashboards to enhance decision-making; support procurement digital transformation (automation, predictive analytics, data governance); drive predictability in cost, supply, and performance.
• Sustainability & Innovation: Integrate sustainability into sourcing and supplier selection (recyclability, carbon footprint, material optimization), lead deployment of eco-friendly packaging, adapt to regulatory trends, and organize innovation workshops with suppliers.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIRED SKILLS

• Master's degree in Procurement, Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in strategic sourcing or category management, ideally in the pharmaceutical, biotech, or FMCG sectors.
• Deep knowledge of packaging technologies, materials, and supplier ecosystems.
• Proven experience in budget ownership, SRM, and cross-functional leadership.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and project management skills.
• Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus.

Our Recruitment Process: 

To be considered for this role, please apply in our Applicant tracking system and refrain from sending your CV via email. Upon the completion of sourcing (CV collection) period, all received application will be reviewed by our Recruitment experts and evaluated against the needs of the open role. Successful candidates will be contacted by our Recruiting experts for an initial screening interview during which further details about the selection process will be shared. Successful candidates will progress to interviews with line managers, while not selected candidates will be informed in a written form as soon as possible. 
 
Diversity is a fact. Inclusion is an act @Zentiva  
 
At Zentiva, we are a team of 5000 unique talents bonded together by our purpose to provide health and well-being for all generations. We strive daily to create a work culture where everyone feels appreciated, can be their true selves, and contribute to the best of their ability. Seeking for a balanced team across the company, we welcome applications from all qualified candidates with various educational and industry experiences, cultural or ethnical backgrounds, and different life experiences or abilities, regardless of their religious or philosophical beliefs or whomever they choose to love. 

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