Category Procurement Specialist

Talent Acquisition Partner - Talent Management, Executive Search Why Dechra? Thank you for checking out our vacancy, we're delighted you want to learn more about joining Dechra. A career at Dechra is different. Sure, we're a growing global company with a presence in 27 countries but our purpose is simple – to achieve the sustainable improvement of animal health and welfare globally. If you want to be part of a team that invests in your future and ensures you have the support to reach your full potential and thrive, please read on. The Opportunity The Category Procurement Specialist provides support to the procurement manager and wider category team in delivering against procurement & supply chain strategies for a specific sub‑category and business areas. This position will be responsible for managing and optimizing our procurement processes for contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) together with the Category Manager. Working closely with internal stakeholders, including External Manufacturing Team, R&D, quality assurance, and supply chain teams, to ensure that the CMO procurement strategies align with the company's objectives and regulatory requirements. Role Responsibility Supports Category Manager in execution and implementation of Category global sourcing strategy for CMOs, working across functions, regions, and manufacturing sites to understand and define business requirements, respond to changes. Collaborate with the External Manufacturing Team in negotiations and manage contracts with CMOs to ensure favourable terms and conditions. Monitor and evaluate supplier performance. Collaborate with the External Manufacturing team in conducting market analysis to identify potential suppliers and evaluate their capabilities and offerings. Participates in the sourcing strategy execution and ensures short‑term, mid‑term, and long‑term objectives. Ensure compliance and security of supply for the category, proactively identifying and mitigating all forms of risk to quality, service, and cost. Actively seeks and delivers cost and process improvement projects. Supports the business prioritisation and implementation. Proactively partners and aligns with the Manufacturing, Product Development, Regulatory, QC and Global Supply site teams, as well as support functions to ensure delivery of the strategic and operational needs of the business. Guarantees operational performance by being a pro‑active business partner. Responsible for continuously gathering Market Intelligence to ensure market competitiveness and transparency of current terms of cooperation with suppliers. Executes business review meetings with suppliers and internal stakeholders, reports global KPI within the category, and develops suppliers according to the principles of Supplier Relationship Management. Responsible for leading Requests for Information (RFI), Requests for Quotation (RFQ), Supplier Evaluations and Due Diligence, Negotiation, Contracting, and ultimately owning Supplier Relationship Management for key contracts. Improves value by working collaboratively with multiple internal (global) stakeholders. The Candidate Experienced procurement professional with minimum 3 years of experience in an international manufacturing organisation. Ideally a knowledge of work with (or for) CMOs / CDMOs / CROs or similar. In‑depth knowledge of procurement systems and best practices. Working knowledge of multi‑site ERP systems. Experience in leading international procurement projects. Strong knowledge of suppliers, market and environment. A proven track record of building strong external and internal relations based on trust. Strong team player and collaboration skills on an international level. Ability to lead a small team in projects. Root cause analysis to recommend solution and solve problems. Certified Purchasing Specialist (CIPS) or a Bachelor’s Degree in Life Sciences or supply chain management. Additional Information Occasional global travel may be required with this role. This role is based in Northwich / hybrid. What we can offer you 33 days annual (inclusive of Bank Holidays) Employee Assistance Program Life Assurance Enhanced Family Leave Discounted Pet Food About the Company If a career at Dechra has piqued your interest, find out more at Dechra careers. Dechra is a growing, global specialist in veterinary pharmaceuticals. Our expertise is in the development, manufacture, marketing and sales of high quality products exclusively for veterinarians worldwide. All applications received are reviewed by our internal talent acquisition team and we will get in touch if your skills and experience match what we're looking for. Should you not hear back from us within 28 days please don't be too disappointed – we may keep your CV on our database for any future vacancies which could be suitable, and we encourage you to keep an eye on our careers site. We value diversity within our global workforce and encourage an inclusive culture. Any questions or queries, please contact us at. #J-18808-Ljbffr