External Supply Operations Manager
CV-LibraryReading, BerkshirepermanentPosted: 4 June 2026
Apply NowWe are partnering exclusively with a leading global pharmaceutical organisation to identify a high-calibre Strategic Procurement Manager. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned procurement professional to take ownership of complex supplier relationships within a dynamic and fast-paced pharmaceutical environment.
The successful candidate will operate at the intersection of commercial strategy, supply chain excellence, and cross-functional collaboration playing a pivotal role in ensuring portfolio competitiveness, supply continuity, and long-term supplier partnership development.
The Role
* Take full ownership of strategic supplier relationships, independently managing and growing commercial partnerships with external partners.
* Lead the definition and execution of business strategy for the managed portfolio, working in close alignment with internal stakeholders across the organisation.
* Drive active collaboration with Business Development & Licensing, Transfer, and Launch teams to maximise commercial leverage and growth potential.
* Develop and manage budget estimations, ensuring a strong and well-governed pipeline of projects and initiatives across the portfolio.
* Lead independent commercial negotiations to secure highly competitive terms, while providing strategic support to the Tender team to strengthen market competitiveness.
* Monitor market developments with precision, maintaining close engagement with market representatives to anticipate product requirements and ensure supply availability.
* Oversee supplier performance through clearly defined KPIs, implementing structured recovery plans where necessary to drive targets and accountability.
* Ensure proactive internal stakeholder management across affiliate-level requirements, Supply Chain, and Operational Purchasing teams.
* Maintain rigorous oversight of product lifecycle stages from volume planning and inventory management through to end-of-life strategy.
* Lead robust contract management in collaboration with the internal Contract Management team, taking full independent ownership post-signature.
* Conduct strategic supplier business review meetings, delivering clear and aligned messaging to external partners and ensuring timely execution of agreed initiatives.
* Proactively identify and manage commercial and supply risks, implementing mitigation strategies to protect business continuity and performance.
* Lead and contribute to internal optimisation projects, driving continuous improvement across procurement operations.
What We Are Looking For
* A degree in natural sciences, business administration, or a comparable discipline.
* A minimum of 5 years of proven experience in strategic procurement, ideally within the pharmaceutical, chemical, or food industries.
* Demonstrated experience operating within complex, globally distributed supply networks and managing multi-faceted portfolios.
* A strong track record of leading and developing business relationships with external suppliers at a senior level.
* A high degree of commercial acumen and independence in negotiating competitive contractual terms.
* Solid understanding of market dynamics, supply execution, and product lifecycle management from deal signature through launch, post-launch optimisation, and beyond.
* Strong analytical capability with a structured, data-driven approach to business management and decision-making.
* Proven ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams, driving alignment around shared commercial goals.
* Excellent project management skills, with the ability to navigate complexity, balance competing priorities, and deliver results.
* A confident, solutions-focused mindset with the ability to thrive in high-pressure, fast-moving environments.
* Fluency in English is essential; additional European languages are advantageous
The successful candidate will operate at the intersection of commercial strategy, supply chain excellence, and cross-functional collaboration playing a pivotal role in ensuring portfolio competitiveness, supply continuity, and long-term supplier partnership development.
The Role
* Take full ownership of strategic supplier relationships, independently managing and growing commercial partnerships with external partners.
* Lead the definition and execution of business strategy for the managed portfolio, working in close alignment with internal stakeholders across the organisation.
* Drive active collaboration with Business Development & Licensing, Transfer, and Launch teams to maximise commercial leverage and growth potential.
* Develop and manage budget estimations, ensuring a strong and well-governed pipeline of projects and initiatives across the portfolio.
* Lead independent commercial negotiations to secure highly competitive terms, while providing strategic support to the Tender team to strengthen market competitiveness.
* Monitor market developments with precision, maintaining close engagement with market representatives to anticipate product requirements and ensure supply availability.
* Oversee supplier performance through clearly defined KPIs, implementing structured recovery plans where necessary to drive targets and accountability.
* Ensure proactive internal stakeholder management across affiliate-level requirements, Supply Chain, and Operational Purchasing teams.
* Maintain rigorous oversight of product lifecycle stages from volume planning and inventory management through to end-of-life strategy.
* Lead robust contract management in collaboration with the internal Contract Management team, taking full independent ownership post-signature.
* Conduct strategic supplier business review meetings, delivering clear and aligned messaging to external partners and ensuring timely execution of agreed initiatives.
* Proactively identify and manage commercial and supply risks, implementing mitigation strategies to protect business continuity and performance.
* Lead and contribute to internal optimisation projects, driving continuous improvement across procurement operations.
What We Are Looking For
* A degree in natural sciences, business administration, or a comparable discipline.
* A minimum of 5 years of proven experience in strategic procurement, ideally within the pharmaceutical, chemical, or food industries.
* Demonstrated experience operating within complex, globally distributed supply networks and managing multi-faceted portfolios.
* A strong track record of leading and developing business relationships with external suppliers at a senior level.
* A high degree of commercial acumen and independence in negotiating competitive contractual terms.
* Solid understanding of market dynamics, supply execution, and product lifecycle management from deal signature through launch, post-launch optimisation, and beyond.
* Strong analytical capability with a structured, data-driven approach to business management and decision-making.
* Proven ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams, driving alignment around shared commercial goals.
* Excellent project management skills, with the ability to navigate complexity, balance competing priorities, and deliver results.
* A confident, solutions-focused mindset with the ability to thrive in high-pressure, fast-moving environments.
* Fluency in English is essential; additional European languages are advantageous