Associate Director, Procurement

Associate Director / Category Lead – Indirect Procurement (Commercial)

Overview

Global Procurement plays a critical role in enabling enterprise growth by driving operational efficiency, speed to market, and disciplined financial management. As the organization continues to expand its pipeline and commercial footprint, Procurement is increasingly central to supporting business priorities through strategic sourcing, digital enablement, and high-value supplier partnerships.

The team is focused on building a modern, data-driven procurement function capable of supporting the evolving needs of a fast-paced, innovation-driven life sciences organization.

The Role

This role sits within the Indirect Procurement function and is responsible for leading strategic sourcing initiatives across commercial-facing categories.

You will partner closely with cross-functional stakeholders and global procurement colleagues to develop and execute category strategies, lead complex supplier negotiations, and manage end-to-end sourcing activities.

Success in this role requires balancing cost optimization with value creation, while ensuring alignment with broader business objectives and compliance standards.

This position is part of a global procurement organization and operates in a highly collaborative, cross-regional environment.

Location: Hybrid, U.S.-based (NY Metro)

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies across assigned commercial categories
• Analyze internal demand and external market dynamics to inform long-term planning
• Identify opportunities for cost optimization, supplier rationalization, and value creation

Supplier Management

• Lead supplier selection, negotiations, and ongoing performance management
• Establish and maintain relationships with key strategic vendors
• Monitor performance metrics (KPIs/SLAs) and proactively manage risk

Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with business stakeholders to understand evolving needs
• Serve as a trusted advisor on sourcing strategies and supplier decisions
• Ensure procurement initiatives align with functional and enterprise priorities

Sourcing & Contracting

• Lead RFP/RFI processes end-to-end
• Evaluate proposals and negotiate commercial terms
• Oversee contract development, execution, and compliance tracking

Analytics & Reporting

• Conduct spend analysis to identify trends and opportunities
• Track and report savings, performance, and category impact
• Leverage procurement systems and tools for visibility and decision support

Cross-Functional Support

• Contribute to broader procurement initiatives and process improvements
• Support ad hoc sourcing needs across business units
• Collaborate with global procurement colleagues on shared priorities

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required
• ~8–10+ years of experience in strategic sourcing / procurement, with a strong focus on indirect categories
• Experience supporting commercial-facing functions (e.g., marketing, professional services, consulting, IT, HR)
• Demonstrated success developing and executing category strategies in complex environments
• Strong negotiation skills with a track record of delivering measurable value
• Experience working across global, cross-functional teams
• High proficiency in spend analytics, supplier performance management, and market intelligence
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing capabilities
• Familiarity with e-procurement tools (e.g., SAP, Coupa, or similar)
• Fluent in English

About the Search: This search is being managed by Summit Strategic Search on behalf of our client. This is a full-time, permanent position where the successful candidate will be hired directly by the end client.

Equal Opportunity Commitment: Summit Strategic Search and our client are equal opportunity partners. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Accommodations & Support: We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities during the application and interview process. If you require assistance, please contact us at admin@summitstrategicsearch.com. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for harassment and provide all contractors with dedicated reporting channels to ensure a safe, professional work environment.

Selection & Onboarding: As this is a direct-hire role within a regulated industry, the end clients standard hiring protocols apply. This includes, but is not limited to, a comprehensive background check and drug screening prior to the start of employment. All hiring decisions are made solely by the end- client.

Compensation: Annual Salary Range: $175,000.00 - $195,000.00

The salary offered will be commensurate with experience, skills, qualifications, and other relevant factors.