Global Category Lead, Contract Manufacturing
About Astellas
Astellas is a global life sciences company committed to turning innovative science into VALUE for patients. We provide transformative therapies in disease areas that include oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology and women's health. Through our research and development programs, we are pioneering new healthcare solutions for diseases with high unmet medical need. Learn more at Astellas.com
Are you driven to make a real difference in the lives of patients?
We're seeking passionate individuals who thrive in dynamic environments, embrace new ideas, and aren't afraid to take intelligent risks. People who act with unwavering integrity and are deeply committed to making a tangible impact.
Location and Working Environment
This position is based in the UK.
This position is hybrid and will require you to be onsite once per quarter in our local office.
Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines Statement - At Astellas we recognize the importance of work/life balance, and we are proud to offer a hybrid working solution allowing time to connect with colleagues at the office with the flexibility to also work from home. We believe this will optimize the most productive work environment for all employees to succeed and deliver. Hybrid work from certain locations may be permitted in accordance with Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines.
Purpose & Scope
Develops and executes the global strategy for external pharmaceutical contract manufacturing, aligning capabilities with business, pipeline, quality, and financial goals.
Leads strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, and commercial governance across global CMOs/CDMOs in collaboration with key stakeholders (External Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, R&D).
Drives sustainable value creation by balancing cost, supply continuity, risk, and operational flexibility.
Role and Responsibilities
Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the primary commercial interface between Procurement and External Manufacturing, CDMO Quality, Supply Chain, R&D, and Finance.
Supplier Relationship Management: Identify, evaluate, and manage strategic supplier relationships to deliver innovation, quality, and cost efficiencies while fostering collaboration and compliance. Drive joint productivity, innovation, and continuous improvement initiatives with key suppliers.
Cost, Value, and Operations Optimization: Deliver sustainable, multi-year value creation beyond one-time price reduction. Target of 10% YoY. Develop and apply cost transparency and should-cost models to inform negotiations and decisions.
Market Expertise: Maintain deep understanding of the global contract manufacturing market, including capacity trends, technology evolution, and cost drivers. Leverage market intelligence to inform sourcing strategies, negotiations, and risk mitigation plans
Category Strategy Development and Enterprise Leadership: Develop and implement global category strategies for research and pre-clinical categories, ensuring alignment with business objectives and research timelines.
Continue: Role and Responsibilities
People Leadership: Lead, coach, and develop category managers and sourcing professionals. Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. Build functional capability in strategic sourcing, negotiation, and supplier management.
Governance, Compliance and Reporting: Ensure adherence to corporate procurement policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements, maintaining full audit readiness. Provide category performance insights, savings tracking, and KPI reporting to senior management.
Required Qualifications
Exceptional negotiation and contract management skills.
Operational expertise (P2P, RFx, Negotiations, etc)
Project Management acumen with the ability to drive change and develop operational models.
Strong communication, relationship management, and influencing skills.
Category credibility (scientific degree, category experience, etc)
Cultural awareness and ability to work effectively in a global, matrixed environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree (MBA, MSc, or equivalent) in life sciences or related field
Understanding of the role of a global function within broader enterprise strategy
What awaits you at Astellas?
Global collaboration: Become part of a connected global business of like-minded life science leaders, all dedicated to improving patients' lives worldwide.
Real-world patient impact: Contribute to transformative therapies that reach patients around the world, knowing your work makes a difference every day.
Relentless Innovation: Join a company at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs, where you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of healthcare.
A Culture of Growth: Chart your own course within a supportive environment that values your contributions, champions your development, and empowers you to pursue your passions.
Our Organizational Values and Behaviors
Impact
Innovation
Integrity
One Astellas
Accountability
Courage
Sense of Urgency
Outcome Focus
Benefits
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Beware of recruitment scams impersonating Astellas recruiters or representatives. Authentic communication will only originate from an official Astellas LinkedIn profile or a verified company email address. If you encounter a fake profile or anything suspicious, report it promptly to LinkedIn's support team through LinkedIn Help.
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