Procurement Director – R&D

Overview

As Director of R&D Procurement, you will lead a global function supporting R&D activities across multiple markets and drive value through strategic sourcing, supplier partnerships, and risk management. You will own a substantial spend portfolio in Clinical Research, Laboratory Services, and R&D Outsourcing, partnering with senior stakeholders to align procurement with business priorities. Your impact spans cost optimisation, quality improvements, and regulatory compliance, shaping procurement strategy at scale. This role offers high visibility and the opportunity to influence long-term innovation and supply continuity.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a global procurement strategy for R&D outsourced services and laboratory categories
• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives across a complex global supplier landscape
• Deliver value through cost optimisation, quality improvements and risk mitigation
• Build strong partnerships with senior internal stakeholders to align procurement with business priorities
• Create compelling business cases and influence executives to support strategic change
• Lead contractual negotiations and coordinate with Legal on complex agreements
• Drive supplier performance management and establish strategic vendor partnerships
• Ensure sourcing strategies support regulatory compliance, business continuity and supply assurance
• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing procurement team across regions
• Identify emerging market trends and supplier innovations to support growth

Key requirements

• Significant procurement leadership experience with global teams
• Deep expertise across Clinical Research, CROs, Laboratory Services, R&D Outsourcing or Scientific Services procurement
• Strong knowledge of supplier markets in pharma, life sciences, healthcare or FMCG
• Proven track record delivering global category strategies and measurable benefits
• Experience leading large-scale sourcing projects and complex contract negotiations
• Ability to influence senior executives across global organisations
• Strong understanding of risk management, compliance and governance

• Executive stakeholder engagement
• Communication and influencing skills
• Change management
• Strategic sourcing and category management
• Contract negotiations
• Supplier relationship management

…