Procurement Category Manager - Manufacturing (Non-Commercial)

See Yourself at Telix

The Category Manager for Manufacturing (Non-Commercial) will be a critical leader in shaping and executing strategic procurement initiatives within a fast-paced radiopharmaceutical organization. As part of a growing procurement department, you will be responsible for developing sourcing strategies, managing global supplier relationships, and driving cost-effective decisions across key categories. This individual will design, lead and implement sourcing strategies for non-commercial manufacturing and compliance, ensuring high-quality, cost-effective decisions across these essential areas. As a subject matter expert, the Category Manager must excel at vendor selection, negotiating and structuring complex contracts, ensuring compliance, and paying close attention to the specific details of procurement operations. This hands-on position requires a deep understanding of strategic procurement, the ability to navigate a global matrix organization, and experience in establishing and building out procurement functions. This role demands both strategic vision, leadership and tactical execution, where the individual will actively engage in rolling up their sleeves to drive value, mitigate risks, and support the overall success of the functions.

Key Accountabilities:

Strategic Sourcing & Category Management

• • Lead the development and execution of comprehensive procurement strategies for raw materials, manufacturing equipment, production services, and logistics, ensuring alignment with organizational goals while maintaining strict adherence to ethical standards and procurement controls to ensure effective supplier governance.
  • Conduct detailed market analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities, supplier consolidation options, and innovative service providers to enhance manufacturing operations.
  • Leverage expertise in manufacturing procurement to negotiate effectively and secure best-in-class contracts with suppliers while balancing cost, quality, and compliance requirements.
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including Operations, Engineering, and Quality Assurance, to align procurement strategies with business objectives.
  • Develop and maintain category roadmaps to ensure alignment with organizational goals.

Negotiation & Attention to Detail

• • Demonstrate excellent negotiation skills to achieve optimal contract terms, pricing, structuring of payment milestones and terms, and conditions with suppliers, ensuring alignment with the organization’s objectives and compliance standards.
  • Ensure all procurement activities are executed with precision and compliance, paying careful attention to contract details, timelines, and regulatory requirements.
  • Resolve complex procurement challenges through a combination of sharp negotiating tactics, competitive tendering, thorough bid-defense and meticulous attention to the details that drive supplier performance and regulatory adherence.
  • Maintain a focus on the bigger picture while also ensuring that every aspect of contract execution, from vendor selection to final agreement, is handled with a high level of accuracy.

Shaping the Procurement Function

• • Partner with cross-functional teams to develop, refine, and implement procurement processes, policies, and systems that align with organizational goals, while embedding robust governance and compliance controls to ensure integrity in supplier relationships
  • Collaboratively design and implement procurement strategies that foster the organization's growth and success, ensuring they support broader business objectives.
  • Drive continuous improvement of procurement practices alongside key stakeholders to enhance efficiency, scalability, and effectiveness across the organization.
  • Work together to create templates and frameworks for category management, supplier evaluation, and performance tracking to ensure consistency and alignment within the procurement function.

Global Supplier Relationship Management

• • Manage relationships with global suppliers, ensuring compliance with contract terms, service level agreements, and rigorous supplier governance practices, while maintaining a strong focus on integrity and transparency.
  • Foster long-term, collaborative partnerships with suppliers to enhance innovation, improve quality, and achieve operational efficiency in clinical trials and regulatory compliance.
  • Regularly monitor and assess supplier performance, proactively addressing issues to ensure high-quality standards and timely delivery.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• • Work closely with internal teams (Operations, Engineering, Legal, Finance, and Quality Assurance) to ensure procurement strategies align with business requirements.
  • Act as an SME in manufacturing procurement processes, providing guidance to cross-functional teams and influencing key decisions across departments.
  • Proactively address procurement challenges while aligning sourcing strategies with operational goals.

Cost Optimization & Risk Management

• • Identify and implement cost optimization strategies in manufacturing processes, ensuring value-driven decisions while maintaining strict adherence to compliance, procurement controls, and risk management standards to protect the integrity of procurement practices.
  • Mitigate risks associated with the supply of raw materials, equipment, and services by managing supplier contracts, compliance, and performance standards.
  • Continuously monitor market trends and regulatory shifts to anticipate potential impacts on procurement decisions and cost structures.
  • Mitigate supply chain and procurement risks through effective contract management and diversification strategies.
  • Develop cost models and track savings performance to ensure financial goals are achieved.
  • Stay informed about market trends, geopolitical factors, and regulatory changes that may impact procurement decisions.

Performance Metrics & Reporting

• • Define and track key performance indicators to measure procurement success within manufacturing categories, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
  • Report procurement outcomes, risks, and opportunities to senior leadership, using data-driven insights to support continuous improvements in procurement strategy.
  • Develop and maintain dashboards and reporting tools to provide stakeholders with up-to-date information on procurement performance.

Process Improvement & Innovation

• • Continuously evaluate and improve procurement processes for raw materials, manufacturing equipment, and production services, identifying areas for greater efficiency and cost savings.
  • Drive innovative procurement solutions that enhance operational efficiency, streamline vendor management, and automate processes wherever feasible.
  • Lead process change initiatives, ensuring alignment with overall business strategy and objectives.

Team Leadership & Development

• • Provide guidance and mentorship to junior procurement staff, fostering a high-performance culture within the team.
  • Collaborate with leadership to define the future structure and capabilities of the procurement function, supporting the evolution of the organization’s procurement needs.
  • Support the professional development of the team through coaching, training, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
  • Ensure that the Telix Values and prevailing Corporate Objectives are used to guide actions and behaviors, in accordance with relevant laws, regulations and guidelines

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or a related field required. Master’s preferred.
• Relevant professional certifications (CPSM, CSCP, PMP, GxP, Regulatory Affairs Certifications) required.
• 7+ years of experience in procurement or supply chain management, with at least 3 years in a strategic procurement role, focused on non-commercial manufacturing.
• Proven experience in building and developing procurement functions, particularly within a rapidly growing organization.
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, and supplier management in a global environment.
• Experience working in complex, global matrix organizations, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and stakeholders across different regions and business functions.
• Strong track record in cost optimization, achieving cost savings targets, and risk management in procurement activities.
• Familiarity with procurement software and systems (e.g., SAP, Coupa) and data analytics tools to drive decision-making.
• Experience managing direct and indirect categories, with a strong understanding of industry best practices and market trends.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to balance short-term needs with long-term procurement goals. High level of strategic thinking, combined with the ability to execute tactically and achieve operational excellence.
• Negotiation & Communication: Strong skills in managing supplier relationships and driving performance improvements.
• Analytical Skills: Advanced skills in market trend analysis, cost modeling, and reporting.
• Adaptability: Thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments with a proactive mindset.
• Project Management: Ability to handle multiple initiatives, meet deadlines, and manage projects effectively.
• Global Stakeholder Management: Skilled in navigating relationships in a global matrix organization and influencing cross-functional teams.
• Independence & Results-Driven: Proactive, results-oriented, with the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Leadership Potential: Strong leadership skills with the ability to mentor and guide junior team members.
• Emotional Intelligence: Excellent interpersonal skills for collaborating with diverse teams and suppliers.
• Detail-Oriented: Focus on continuous improvement and driving efficiencies in procurement processes.

Key Capabilities:

• Inclusive Mindset: Foster an inclusive environment, valuing diversity and ensuring everyone feels respected.
• Creativity & Innovation: Think outside the box and develop unique solutions to challenges.
• Commitment to Excellence: Consistently strive for excellence in all tasks and responsibilities.
• Results-Oriented: Focus on achieving goals with measurable outcomes and performance.
• Ethical Behavior: Uphold integrity and ethical conduct in all interactions with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Adaptability: Thrive in dynamic environments, adjusting to changing priorities and embracing new challenges.
• Strong Communication: Communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels.
• Collaboration: Work well within teams, sharing expertise to achieve collective goals.
• Resilience: Bounce back from setbacks, persevering through challenges with a positive attitude.
• Continuous Learning: Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.