Category Leader - IT

POSITION PURPOSE

As Category Leader – IT, you are responsible for leading and executing sourcing activities across IT categories, including SaaS, IT services, IT hardware, cloud solutions, and licensing and responsible to support designing, deploying, and continuously evolving the global sourcing strategies for IT hardware, software, and related IT services across the organization.

Operating in a highly regulated and cost sensitive generics pharmaceutical environment, the role is critical to ensuring IT performance, cybersecurity, compliance, and cost efficiency, while enabling digital transformation and business continuity.

You act as a strategic partner to IT, Digital, Finance, and Business teams. You independently drive sourcing initiatives, supplier interactions, and contract negotiations within your scope, while supporting category strategy and working under the direction of the Category Manager or procurement leadership for broader strategic topics.

MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES AND DUTIES

Category Strategy & Value Creation

• Actively support the development, updates, and periodic review of the Global IT category strategy, working closely with the Category Manager and procurement leadership
• Proactively gather and consolidate business and IT requirements, including demand forecasts, functional needs, and consumption patterns, to ensure category strategies are aligned with business priorities
• Contribute to the execution of category strategies across IT hardware (end-user devices, infrastructure, network equipment), software (ERP, business applications, SaaS, licensing), and IT services (managed services, cloud, application development, support & maintenance)
• Support the alignment of category strategies with IT and digital roadmaps, cybersecurity and data integrity requirements, cost competitiveness, and standardization objectives
• Contribute to value creation initiatives beyond savings, including license and application rationalization, vendor consolidation, platform standardization, and adoption of scalable and cloud-based solutions
• Monitor IT market trends (software vendors, cloud economics, licensing models, supplier landscape, AI and automation) and translate insights into sourcing recommendations and category inputs

IT Sourcing and Procurement Execution

• Execute category plans and lead tactical sourcing activities for assigned sub-categories (RFIs/RFPs, bid and supplier evaluation, procurement recommendation, contract implementation) in line with the strategy defined by the Category Manager
• Conduct commercial evaluations, including pricing analysis, benchmarking, and total cost of ownership (TCO)
• Ensure structured and competitive supplier selection processes
• Ensure contracts align with agreed commercial terms and compliance requirements
• Act as a key procurement contact for stakeholders, translating business needs into sourcing actions
• Manage operational supplier relationships incl. day-to-day communications, order confirmations, delivery tracking, and escalation of quality or performance issues
• Support supplier onboarding and qualification processes, including collection of required documentation (e.g., quality certificates, insurance, compliance attestations)

Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)

• Lead strategic supplier interactions and conduct negotiations within defined scope, focusing on pricing and commercial terms
• Identify and drive cost optimization opportunities (e.g., license optimization, demand consolidation)
• Support the implementation and continuous improvement of the SRM framework defined by the Category Manager
• Monitor supplier performance using KPIs and scorecards; coordinate corrective actions with suppliers and internal functions; surface recurring or strategic risks to the Category Manager.
• Ensure risk mitigation through dual sourcing, exit strategies, cybersecurity assessments, and business continuity planning.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Act as a key procurement partner with the Procurement CoE, IT & Digital teams, Cybersecurity, Finance, Legal, and Compliance
• Serve as primary point of contact for internal requestors on routine purchasing queries, clarifying specifications and ensuring timely fulfillment
• Collaborate in cross-functional procurement projects and support category manager on larger tenders / sourcing events
• Mentor and provide practical guidance to Buyers working within the category
• Support major IT programs, including the ERP and application rollouts, cloud and infrastructure transformations, digital and data initiatives
• Contribute to IT governance bodies and decision forums.

Cost Management & Budget/LRP exercise

• Deliver on-target savings and cost-control measures identified in the category plan; document and validate realized savings
• Support Procurement CoE and Finance in tracking the savings delivery vs commitments and IT cost evolution and capitalization impacts
• Contribute to demand management, usage consolidation and specification rationalization initiatives under guidance of the Category Manager
• Support budget alignment and financial planning processes

Sustainability & ESG Integration

• Embed ESG criteria into supplier selection and performance management (e.g., CO₂ emissions, green warehousing, electric fleets).
• Promote sustainable logistics practices and collaborate with suppliers on carbon reduction initiatives.
• Track and report sustainability KPIs in alignment with corporate ESG goals and external reporting requirements

Governance & Compliance 

• Ensure full compliance with internal procurement policies, cybersecurity, data integrity, and audit standards
• Maintain accurate documentation, contracts, and supplier records to support audit readiness.
• Maintain up-to-date category and supplier records, spend data, and documentation to support reporting and audits
• Support suppliers risk assessments and purchasing activities (e.g., supply continuity, regulatory and quality risks) and implement mitigations
• Proactively manage supplier, contract, and operational risks
• Support audit readiness and procurement governance

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

• Master’s degree in business, Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, Pharmacy or related discipline.
• Typically, 3-6 years of Procurement experience with hands-on responsibility for sourcing, supplier management and contract administration in Indirect procurement
• Experience in pharma or regulated manufacturing is an advantage
• Advanced negotiation, stakeholder management, and project leadership skills­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­
• Strong ability to run sourcing events, assess bids, and ensure smooth supplier onboarding and contracting
• Proven operational experience with P2P/S2C processes and systems, supplier onboarding and performance tracking
• Practical exposure to working with Quality/Regulatory requirements in purchasing contexts
• Proficient at managing supplier relationships operationally, tracking KPIs, and coordinating corrective actions
• Strong expertise in IT category strategy, SRM, and complex negotiations
• Solid understanding of IT cost structures, licensing models, and service delivery
• Proven track record in managing global suppliers and delivering complex procurement projects.
• Understanding of contractual, legal, compliance, and security aspects in IT procurement
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• Ability to operate effectively in cross-functional and international environments
• Fluent in English (written and spoken); additional languages are a plus.

Our Recruitment Process: 

To be considered for this role, please apply in our Applicant tracking system and refrain from sending your CV via email. Upon the completion of sourcing (CV collection) period, all received application will be reviewed by our Recruitment experts and evaluated against the needs of the open role. Successful candidates will be contacted by our Recruiting experts for an initial screening interview during which further details about the selection process will be shared. Successful candidates will progress to interviews with line managers, while not selected candidates will be informed in a written form as soon as possible.  

Diversity is a fact. Inclusion is an act @Zentiva   At Zentiva, we are a team of 5000 unique talents bonded together by our purpose to provide health and well-being for all generations. We strive daily to create a work culture where everyone feels appreciated, can be their true selves, and contribute to the best of their ability. Seeking for a balanced team across the company, we welcome applications from all qualified candidates with various educational and industry experiences, cultural or ethnical backgrounds, and different life experiences or abilities, regardless of their religious or philosophical beliefs or whomever they choose to love. 

Join our winning team! Be a part of our winning culture! Be Zentiva!