Senior Category Manager, Early Research & Development, Sourcing

Senior Category Manager, Early Research & Development, Sourcing
Location: San Rafael, CA (Hybrid – Onsite Tuesdays & Thursdays)
Employment Type: Full-Time

The Senior Category Manager, Early Research & Development, Sourcing will lead strategic sourcing initiatives supporting Early Research & Development functions, including preclinical research, bioanalytical sciences, translational sciences, toxicology, animal research, and academic research partnerships.

This role is responsible for developing category strategies, managing supplier relationships, driving procurement transformation, negotiating complex agreements, and partnering closely with scientific, finance, and operational stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement sourcing and category strategies aligned with organizational objectives
• Support transformation initiatives and continuous improvement efforts
• Drive cost savings and value creation across assigned categories
• Create multi-year procurement roadmaps

Stakeholder Management

• Serve as primary procurement partner for Research & Early Development stakeholders
• Build strong relationships with scientific leadership and business partners
• Collaborate with Finance, Legal, Quality, and Operations teams

Supplier Management

• Manage strategic supplier relationships
• Conduct supplier evaluations and performance reviews
• Optimize supplier base and risk mitigation strategies

Contracting & Negotiations

• Lead complex sourcing events and contract negotiations
• Develop sourcing strategies supporting business objectives
• Manage RFPs, RFQs, and supplier selection processes

Operational Excellence

• Support Source-to-Pay transformation initiatives
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and procedures
• Support internal and external audits

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Biotech or Pharmaceutical procurement professional
• Experience sourcing:
  • Early Discovery Research
  • Translational Biology
  • Bioanalytical Sciences
  • Preclinical Research Services
  • Toxicology Services
  • In-Vivo Animal Research
• Strong supplier negotiation experience
• Deep understanding of drug development lifecycle
• Experience with SAP and Ariba
• Strong stakeholder management skills