Manager External Manufacturing Category
The Manager External Manufacturing Category supports the end-to-end procurement strategy for the category. This role delivers cost efficiency, quality, innovation, and sustainability outcomes that enable J&J’s business growth. Serving as the category subject‑matter expert, the Manager partners closely with Supply Chain, Quality, R&D, Legal, Finance, and additional stakeholders to contribute to sourcing strategies, shape the supply base, and drive supplier relationships.
Job Function
Procurement
Job Sub Function
Category
Job Category
Professional
All Job Posting Locations
Beerse, Antwerp, Belgium; Latina, Italy; Zug, Switzerland
Key Responsibilities
Procurement Strategy & Execution
* Support J&J IM’s vision of creating a future where disease is a thing of the past.
* Deploy the Innovative Medicine Supply Chain Procurement Strategy through opportunities identified in your scope and contributing to uplifting capabilities.
* Contribute and execute category sourcing strategies aligned with short-, mid-, and long-term business needs for assigned portfolio.
* Leverage market intelligence & category expertise to assess industry trends, identify value‑creation opportunities, and proactively address supply and cost risks.
* Lead and coordinate medium complexity procurement projects aligned with supply chain strategy.
Supplier Management & Contracting
* Build and maintain strong relationships with in-scope suppliers to drive performance, innovation, and continuous improvement.
* Manage supplier selection sourcing processes and due diligence.
* Negotiate commercial agreements and contracts balancing value, risk, and business continuity.
* Partner with suppliers and internally to identify cost reductions, quality improvements, and process efficiencies.
* Manage portfolio level contract lifecycle activities with Legal, including renewals and amendments.
Stakeholder Engagement & Cross‑Functional Collaboration
* Participate in cross‑functional category and project forums.
* Partner with Supply Chain, Quality, Regulatory, and R&D to enable product launches and operational readiness.
* Incorporate stakeholder requirements into actionable sourcing plans.
* Support sustainable procurement and execute supplier diversity initiatives.
Financial Management & Commercial Impact
* Deliver cost‑effective sourcing solutions across existing and new products.
* Drive cost avoidance and cash‑flow improvements through negotiation plans and execution.
* Live into financial cycles and business plan deliverables.
* Manage key procurement performance indicators (CIP, Cash, Cost Avoidance, Inflation, etc.).
Risk, Resiliency & Compliance
* Promptly elevate commercial, supply, quality, and regulatory risks. Drive mitigation actions where appropriate.
* Maintain contingency and continuity plans.
* Support compliance with regulatory and quality requirements.
Data, Tools & Continuous Improvement
* Leverage procurement systems and analytics for insights and to support decision-making.
* Consistent use of digital tools and automation opportunities.
* Use data to drive continuous improvement in supplier and sourcing performance.
Innovation
* Leverage category strategy to identify supplier innovation projects based on needs.
* Lead projects through commercialization, ensuring qualification and verification.
* Ensure appropriate representation from Quality, R&D, and Procurement throughout project phases.
Qualifications
Education
* Bachelor’s degree (preferred fields include Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Supply Chain Management or equivalent); MBA or Master’s degree preferred.
Experience and Skills
Required
* A minimum 6 years of relevant professional experience, preferably inside and outside Procurement.
* Analytical skills required to perform data analyses in support of sourcing strategy development.
* Negotiation and relationship management experience required.
* Ability to accomplish projects with suppliers and internal business partners through interpersonal skills, leadership style and broad operational expertise is required.
* Demonstrated project management and leadership experience in leading cross functional/cross company projects is required.
* Demonstrated ability to make difficult decisions in a timely fashion is required.
* Planning and organizational skills are required.
* Strong presentation and communication skills are required.
* Familiarity with digital and AI tools.
Leadership Behaviors & Competencies
* Results‑oriented, accountable, and action‑driven.
* Collaborative relationship‑builder.
* Agile and adaptable in a fast‑moving environment.
* High ethical standards and governance alignment.
* Customer‑focused with a mindset for innovation.
Other Requirements
* Up to 20% domestic and international travel may be required.
Preferred Skills
* Business Data Analysis, Business Savvy, Category Management Strategy, Coaching, Competitive Landscape Analysis, Contract Management, Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA), Critical Thinking, Data Analysis, Market Savvy, Negotiation, New Program Development, Performance Measurement, Process Improvements, Procurement Policies, Relationship Building, Risk Management, Spend Analysis, Strategic Thinking, Supplier Collaboration, Sustainable Procurement, Technical Credibility, Vendor Selection.
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