Sr Mgr Category

Johnson & Johnson seeks a Senior Manager for Category Management within the Innovative Medicine Supply Chain. This hybrid role, based in Zug, Beerse, or Cork, leads end-to-end procurement strategy for External Manufacturing.

This position sits within the Innovative Medicine Supply Chain (IMSC) team and is responsible for leading the end-to-end procurement strategy for the External Manufacturing category. The role operates in a hybrid model, with locations available in Zug (Switzerland), Beerse (Belgium), or Cork (Ireland).

Responsibilities

• Create and execute category sourcing strategies alongside a prioritized roadmap that supports short, mid, and long-term business goals.
• Utilize market intelligence and industry expertise to spot value-creation opportunities and mitigate supply or cost risks.
• Oversee or coordinate large-scale, complex procurement projects that align with the overall strategy.
• Select, onboard, and manage strategic suppliers, collaborating to enhance performance, drive innovation, and achieve cost reductions.
• Negotiate commercial agreements and contracts throughout their lifecycle, working closely with the Legal department.
• Act as the procurement representative in cross-functional forums for category and project discussions.
• Partner with internal teams to convert business needs into sourcing plans, supporting product launches and operational readiness.
• Advocate for sustainable procurement practices and supplier diversity initiatives.
• Provide cost-effective sourcing solutions for both existing and new products.
• Improve cash flow and avoid costs through strategic negotiation tactics.
• Track key procurement performance indicators and ensure accurate forecasting and budgeting aligned with financial cycles.
• Identify commercial, supply, quality, and regulatory risks.
• Develop and maintain contingency and business continuity plans.
• Ensure strict compliance with regulatory and quality standards.
• Promote the adoption of digital tools and automation opportunities.
• Leverage procurement systems and analytics to generate insights and drive continuous improvement in supplier and sourcing performance.
• Translate category needs into supplier innovation projects and lead these initiatives through commercialization.
• Own cost transparency and end-to-end value-chain mapping for the External Manufacturing category.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification is mandatory.
• At least 8 years of relevant professional experience.
• Proven background in Procurement and/or Category Management.
• Experience in developing category strategies or multi-year sourcing roadmaps.
• Strong commercial acumen, including an understanding of cost drivers, market dynamics, and risk trade-offs.
• Experience in sourcing strategy, supplier management, and complex contract negotiation.
• Proficiency in Excel, with strong advanced analytics skills.
• Familiarity with digital and AI procurement tools.
• Strong presentation and executive communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, cross-functional sourcing initiatives/projects.

Nice to have

• An advanced degree (MBA) or focused degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field is preferred.
• Certifications such as CIPS, CPSM, APICS (CPIM, CLTD, or CSCP), CPP, CPM, or PMP/FPX are preferred.
• Experience managing strategic or high-risk suppliers, including performance and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to manage ambiguity with agility, prioritize effectively, and drive outcomes in a fast-paced, complex environment.
• Experience with global procurement for External Manufacturing, Materials, and Services.
• Pharmaceutical, Life Science, or equivalent industry experience.

What the company offers

• Flexible work policy allowing on-site work minimum three days each week, with option for two remote workdays each week.
• Inclusive work environment where each person is considered as an individual.
• Opportunity to join a team delivering outstanding results to customers.

About the company

Johnson & Johnson is guided by its Credo and is responsible to its employees. The company respects the diversity and dignity of its employees and recognizes their merit. The Innovative Medicine team is inspired by patients whose insights fuel science-based advancements.

• Johnson & Johnson believes health is everything and aims to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured.
• The company is guided by Its Credo and is responsible to its employees.
• The company respects the diversity and dignity of its employees and recognizes their merit.
• The Innovative Medicine team is inspired by patients whose insights fuel science-based advancements.