Procurement Category Manager Excipients

POSITION PURPOSE

The Procurement Category Manager – Excipients is responsible for strategic sourcing, supplier management, and cost optimization for Excipients at the Prague site and Capsules for both Prague & Bucharest sites. This role plays a key part in developing category strategies, driving supplier negotiations, and ensuring business continuity while aligning with Zentiva's procurement objectives.

The successful candidate will work cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, Finance, and R&D teams to ensure a cost-effective and reliable supply, while managing risks and fostering innovation in supplier relationships.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Category Management & Strategy

• Develop and execute category strategies for Excipients (Prague site) and Capsules (Prague & Bucharest sites), aligned with cost, risk, and business goals.
• Monitor market intelligence, supplier capabilities, and regulatory impacts.
• Implement China+1 and alternative sourcing strategies to build supply chain resilience.

Supplier Relationship & Performance Management

• Manage and negotiate with key suppliers, ensuring compliance and performance improvements.
• Conduct supplier performance evaluations via KPIs (cost, quality, service, sustainability).
• Identify, qualify, and onboard new suppliers to meet regulatory and business needs.

Cost & Risk Management

• Drive cost efficiency through competitive pricing strategies, cost models, and should-cost analysis.
• Ensure zero Purchase Price Variance (PPV) or better through effective negotiations.
• Mitigate category risks with robust supplier diversification and contractual frameworks.

Operational Excellence & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, GMP, ESG standards, EUDR, and CSRD.
• Lead supplier audits and qualification processes in collaboration with internal teams.
• Optimize procurement workflows, including Purchase-to-Pay (P2P) and contract management.
• Support supplier sustainability initiatives aligned with EcoVadis and ESG procurement targets.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Management

• Act as a key link between Procurement, Manufacturing, R&D, Finance, and Supply Chain.
• Lead budgeting and forecasting for excipients and capsules categories.
• Contribute to global procurement projects and best practice sharing.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIRED SKILLS

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Pharmacy, Chemistry, or related fields.
• 5–7 years in category management, procurement, or supplier relationship management in pharma or manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of pharmaceutical excipients, capsule materials, and their regulatory landscape.
• Experience in cost modeling, contract negotiations, and category strategy development.
• Proficiency with SAP, Ariba, Power BI, and Excel.
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional projects in a matrix organization.
• Analytical, solution-oriented mindset.
• Language Skills: Fluent English (C2); other European languages are an advantage.

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.

Join our winning team Be a part of our winning culture Be Zentiva