Senior Category Manager, External Manufacturing & CMO Sourcing

Senior Category Manager, External Manufacturing & CMO Sourcing

The Senior Category Manager, External Manufacturing & CMO Sourcing is responsible for defining and executing enterprise sourcing strategies for Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs), Contract Packaging Organizations (CPOs), and other external supply partners. This role operates at the intersection of strategy and execution, partnering with Supply Chain, Technical Operations, Business Development, R&D, Quality, Legal, and Commercial teams to design and manage a resilient and scalable external manufacturing network. The role emphasizes business continuity, risk mitigation, and cost effectiveness across the product portfolio, and the development of high-performing supplier partnerships that support reliable commercial supply and pipeline advancement. Must possess a high level of interpersonal, communication, analytic and financial skills to promote positive working relationships with business partners and suppliers to create long-term value for the enterprise within the highest standards of the industry and in compliance with the law. Competency in project management to drive a fact-based approach to deliver on commitments. The role must have a working knowledge of leading-edge Procurement and Strategic Sourcing systems (e.g. SAP, Coupa), category management techniques, supplier management, and spend analytics. Enterprise responsibility for external manufacturing sourcing, inclusive of CMOs, CPOs, and any direct materials purchased by Keenova for use by these external manufacturing organizations.

External Manufacturing Strategy, Network Design, & Strategic Sourcing

• Develop global CMO strategies aligned to pipeline and commercial needs.
• Design resilient manufacturing networks considering capacity, cost, regulatory, and geographic risk.
• Lead business continuity planning including dual sourcing, contingency planning, and disruption response.
• Integrate with Supply Chain planning, S&OP, and inventory strategies to ensure continuity.
• Support "make vs. buy" decisions and capacity planning across lifecycle stages.
• Initiate supplier discovery and develop productive strategic alliances and partnerships with leading edge suppliers to maximize buying leverage.
• Prepare competitive bids, quotations and proposals with pertinent specifications, terms and conditions.
• Evaluate competitive offerings to determine the overall best offer for a product or service; manage the analysis of proposals in support of the bid evaluation process.
• Collaborate with Legal to develop contracts and agreements for the supply of standard products and services with new and existing suppliers.
• Oversee the contract negotiation with CMOs/CPOs (e.g., amendments, extensions, new supply agreements, etc.).
• Manage and resolve contract and purchase order differences with suppliers.
• Support resolution of payment problems with suppliers and user departments.
• Review product availability and/or pricing information with suppliers.
• Achieve and contribute to the department's annual savings goal. Identify cost reduction, cost avoidance, and cost containment opportunities.
• Analyze forecasted spend data to assist in the development of the appropriate procurement approach.
• Analyze supply market information and leverage this to make effective sourcing decisions.
• Utilize relevant procurement and contracting systems.

Relationship Management

Customer Relationships:

• Work closely with internal stakeholders to:
• Understand customer priorities.
• Develop with and agree upon sourcing strategies / plans and set expectations for effective value delivery.
• Help the customer understand and engage with Keenova's procurement requirements.
• Develop CMO/CPO selection process with cross functional stakeholders.
• Establish standard process for the selection and approval of new projects.

Supplier Relationships:

• Develops internal and external relationships with suppliers and cross-functional teams with regard to the following:
• Develop, establish, and maintain a supplier relationship system in alignment with Keenova's Supplier Relationship Management Program
• Assist in developing supplier performance measurements using rating systems or predetermined standards.
• Support reviewing supplier samples and/or demonstrations with the functional management and user departments.
• Create supplier database for ease of reference for new project opportunities.
• Coordinate supplier visits and evaluations to determine suitability.
• Skillfully apply appropriate procurement approach in negotiations; independently prepare and lead negotiations to conclusion.
• Resolve quality problems with suppliers and functional groups and develop measurements for improvement and target setting.
• Coordinate, review and respond to supplier inquiries, protests and appeals.
• Provide insight input on supply chain inventory levels and supply issues.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Life Sciences, or Business; advanced degree preferred.
• 8 12+ years of experience in pharmaceutical external manufacturing sourcing, supply chain, or operations.
• 4 - 6 years in a position leading cross-functional teams in the development of sourcing strategies for external manufacturing
• 1 -3 years' experience consulting with functional vice presidents and directors of business units to influence decision making related to purchasing
• Proven experience managing CMO/CPO relationships and negotiating complex manufacturing agreements.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple complex projects.

Knowledge

• Strong knowledge and skills with ERP, Procurement and Sourcing systems, MS Excel, MS Word, and MS PowerPoint.
• Effective communication skills to work professionally with internal and external personnel at all levels.
• Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability.
• Demonstrated knowledge of pharmaceutical manufacturing, the external manufacturing supply market, and the pharmaceutical industry.

Skills & Abilities

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities. Manages / leads meetings; Excellent presentation skills, with strong influencing and persuasive talents
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

Ability to work in an office environment.

Travel: 0-20%

Keenova offers employees a Total Rewards package which includes competitive pay and benefits. To learn more about our Total Rewards benefits please visit: Keenova Careers | Serve and Grow with Purpose | Keenova

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Management reserves the right to change or modify such duties as required.

At Keenova, we believe that no one should be alone in their pursuit of better health. This purpose drives us as we pair quality therapeutics with human supportshowing up in big moments and small to help patients find comfort and confidence.

We bring deep expertise and resolve to every therapeutic area we serve, including immunology, urology, men's health, orthopedics, critical care, and pediatric endocrinology. We work with patients, care partners, and physicians to help them navigate healthcare system complexity and access therapies that make a meaningful difference.

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