Global Category Lead, Contract Manufacturing

Astellas Pharma • Northbrook, IL

1d • Remote

About The Position

Astellas Pharma Inc. is a pharmaceutical company conducting business in more than 70 countries around the world. We are committed to turning innovative science into medical solutions that bring value and hope to patients and their families. Keeping our focus on addressing unmet medical needs and conducting our business with ethics and integrity enables us to improve the health of people throughout the world. For more information on Astellas, please visit our website at www.astellas.com

This position is based in Northbrook, Illinois. Remote work from certain states may be permitted in accordance with Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines. Candidates interested in remote work are encouraged to apply.

Purpose and Scope:

The Global Category Lead – Contract Manufacturing is responsible for developing and executing the global category strategy for external pharmaceutical manufacturing partners. This role ensures that contract manufacturing capabilities are aligned with business priorities, pipeline needs, quality standards, and financial objectives.

The scope includes strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, and commercial governance across global Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs/CDMOs), Expected to liaise with the Head of External Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, and R&D. The role drives sustainable value creation while balancing cost, supply continuity, risk, and operational flexibility.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree (MBA, MSc, or equivalent) in life sciences or related field
• Understanding of the role of a global function within broader enterprise strategy

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.
• 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.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation and Sick time, plus national holidays including year-end shut down
• 401(k) match and annual company contribution
• Company paid life insurance
• Annual Corporate Bonus and Quarterly Sales Incentive for eligible positions
• Long Term Incentive Plan for eligible positions
• Company fleet vehicle for eligible positions
• Referral bonus program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level