Head Procurement BD&L Bio (d/f/m)

Sandoz Schweiz seeks a Director of Procurement for its BD&L Bio platform in Basel. This senior role shapes commercial foundations, manages strategic partnerships, and drives cost competitiveness for biologics value chains.

The Global Head of Procurement for the BD&L Bio Platform serves as a key executive within Sandoz, focusing on the commercial and contractual aspects of biologics partnerships. Acting as a strategic liaison between Business Development & Licensing, Development, Technical Operations, and Finance, this position ensures that external value chains are structured for long-term success and financial stability.

Responsibilities

• Oversee procurement activities for BD&L transactions, from initial assessment through to final execution, including the definition and negotiation of commercial models and pricing structures.
• Evaluate the financial stability of potential partners to ensure the viability of long-term collaborations.
• Enhance economic competitiveness and supply feasibility by ensuring cost transparency and aligning deals with broader procurement strategies.
• Represent the procurement function within Investment Committees and governance forums related to BD&L.
• Create advanced commercial frameworks, such as risk-sharing agreements and raw material strategies, to optimize lifecycle costs.
• Draft contracts that secure long-term value through KPIs, flexibility clauses, and protections against cost increases.
• Improve structural COGS competitiveness and identify synergies across different portfolios.
• Uncover value opportunities throughout deal structures and partner models, extending beyond simple pricing adjustments.
• Develop a long-term value plan aimed at achieving approximately 5% annual productivity gains.
• Influence the global supplier landscape by aligning partner selection with procurement strategy and manufacturing capabilities.
• Make critical decisions regarding partner segmentation, capacity commitments, and sourcing strategies based on market conditions.
• Cultivate strategic relationships with key BD&L partners, CMOs, and biotech firms.
• Manage procurement risks, including supply security, capacity limits, and pricing exposure.
• Conduct financial health assessments at key milestones, such as selection and pre-launch phases.
• Establish strong contract governance to maintain transparency regarding financial exposure and risks.
• Lead the resolution of critical supplier and contract issues.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to BD&L, Development, and Technical Operations teams during strategic planning.
• Balance immediate deal requirements with long-term platform and procurement goals.
• Build and lead a high-performing procurement team, fostering a culture of ownership and value creation.

Requirements

• Over 15 years of experience in procurement, external supply, or commercial roles within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or biologics sectors.
• A proven history of leading complex negotiations, establishing long-term supply agreements, and driving strategic sourcing.
• Deep knowledge of biologics manufacturing, including the CMO/CDMO landscape, cost structures, and market dynamics.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, with expertise in cost drivers, should-cost models, and value-based decision-making.
• Ability to design flexible pricing and contract models that realize value through innovative deal structures and risk-sharing.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders across cultures and functions.
• Experience in strategy development, people leadership, project management, and customer engagement.
• Capacity to operate at both strategic and execution levels with a strong ownership mindset.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

What the company offers

• An agile and collaborative work environment that supports impactful careers.
• Support for personal growth and professional development.
• A culture that welcomes diversity of thought.

About the company

Sandoz is the global leader in biosimilar and generic medicines, delivering 80% of the world’s medicines at 30% of the cost. The company is driven by an ambition to help everyone achieve the basic human right of good health. Its culture is characterized by openness and collaboration.

• Global leadership in biosimilar and generic medicines.
• Mission to help everyone achieve the basic human right of good health.
• Open and collaborative work environment.