Mgr, Procurement

Alkermes•Waltham, MA

2d•$113,000 - $131,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager, Procurement is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies that support the company's research and development activities and capital investment projects. This role partners closely with R&D, Finance, TechOps and other cross-functional stakeholders to drive value through strategic supplier relationships, cost optimization, innovation, risk mitigation, and contractual excellence. The Senior Category Manager will lead complex sourcing initiatives, negotiate commercial agreements, and manage supplier performance across a diverse portfolio of R&D projects. The role requires strong business acumen, project management capabilities, and the ability to operate effectively in a highly regulated pharmaceutical environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Life Sciences, Engineering, or related field required.
7+ years of progressive strategic sourcing and procurement experience, preferably supporting R&D, laboratory operations, engineering, capital projects, or technical categories within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or related industry.
Demonstrated experience leading complex sourcing initiatives and supplier negotiations.
Strong understanding of supplier relationship management, category management, and contract development.
Proficiency with ERP and procurement systems (Oracle, SAP, Ariba, Jaggaer, or equivalent).
Advanced Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and data analytics skills.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree and/or professional certification (CPSM, CPM, CIPS, or equivalent) preferred.
Experience working within regulated environments and knowledge of GMP/GCP requirements preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary procurement business partner for assigned R&D and Capital stakeholders.
Build strong relationships with scientific, technical, engineering, facilities, and finance teams to understand business needs and provide strategic sourcing support.
Influence stakeholders through data-driven recommendations and procurement best practices.
Support long-range planning and investment decisions through market intelligence and sourcing expertise.
Develop and execute category strategies for assigned R&D spend categories aligned with organizational objectives.
Negotiating preferred partnership commercial terms such as rates, vol discounts, etc.
Extensive R&D and clinical support experience, including sourcing materials for clinical trials and managing supply readiness for new product development and commercial launches.
Brings hands-on R&D procurement experience including supporting Phase 1–3/4 clinical trials, and built GxP-aligned supplier strategies. Understands how to work with researchers, CROs, and technical stakeholders in a fast-moving biotech environment.
Deep experience with vendor management, contract manufacturer onboarding, supplier qualification, and strengthening long-term partnerships across domestic and global suppliers.
Lead end-to-end sourcing activities, including supplier identification, RFx development, bid evaluation, supplier selection, negotiation, and contract execution.
Conduct market and supplier analyses to identify opportunities for cost savings, supplier consolidation, innovation, and risk reduction.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop sourcing plans that ensure continuity of supply and support business priorities.
Establish and maintain strategic supplier relationships that deliver quality, service, innovation, and cost competitiveness.
Conduct supplier performance reviews and implement corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives as needed.
Partner with Quality, Compliance, and Technical teams to support supplier qualification, audits, and ongoing performance management.
Monitor supplier market trends, capabilities, and risks to proactively address potential disruptions.
Identify and execute cost savings, cost avoidance, and value creation initiatives across assigned categories.
Support budget planning, forecasting, and tracking of procurement-related savings and project expenditures.
Apply total cost of ownership (TCO) principles to sourcing decisions and supplier evaluations.
Ensure compliance with procurement policies, financial controls, and approval processes.
Lead commercial negotiations for supplier agreements, statements of work, and master service agreements.
Partner with Legal, Quality, and Compliance teams to ensure contracts appropriately address business requirements and regulatory obligations.
Assess and mitigate supplier risks related to financial stability, operational capability, quality systems, and supply continuity.
Ensure sourcing activities adhere to applicable GMP, GCP, and other regulatory requirements.
Manage multiple complex sourcing projects simultaneously while meeting timelines and stakeholder expectations.
Participate in cross-functional initiatives supporting R&D programs, facility expansions, laboratory investments, and capital projects.
Provide procurement leadership throughout project lifecycles from planning and vendor selection through implementation.