Manager External Manufacturing Category

Job Function

Procurement Job Sub Function

Category

Job Category

Professional

All Job Posting Locations

Beerse, Antwerp, Belgium, Latina, Italy, Zug, Switzerland

Job Description

Johnson & Johnson is seeking a Manager External Manufacturing Category . The Manager External Manufacturing Category supports the end-to-end procurement strategy for the category. This role delivers cost efficiency, quality, innovation, and sustainability outcomes that enable J&J’s business growth. Serving as the category subject‑matter expert, the Manager partners closely with Supply Chain, Quality, R&D, Legal, Finance, and additional stakeholders to contribute to sourcing strategies, shape the supply base, and drive supplier relationships.

Key Responsibilities Procurement Strategy & Execution

• Support J&J IM’s vision of creating a future where disease is a thing of the past.
• Deploy the Innovative Medicine Supply Chain Procurement Strategy through opportunities identified in your scope and contributing to uplifting capabilities.
• Contribute and execute category sourcing strategies aligned with short-, mid-, and long-term business needs for assigned portfolio.
• Leverage market intelligence & category expertise to assess industry trends, identify value‑creation opportunities, and proactively address supply and cost risks.
• Lead and coordinate medium complexity procurement projects aligned with supply chain strategy.

Supplier Management & Contracting

• Build and maintain strong relationships with in-scope suppliers to drive performance, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Manage supplier selection sourcing processes and due diligence.
• Negotiate commercial agreements and contracts balancing value, risk, and business continuity.
• Partner with suppliers and internally to identify cost reductions, quality improvements, and process efficiencies.
• Manage portfolio level contract lifecycle activities with Legal, including renewals and amendments.

Stakeholder Engagement & Cross Functional Collaboration

• Participate in cross‑functional category and project forums.
• Partner with Supply Chain, Quality, Regulatory, and R&D to enable product launches and operational readiness.
• Incorporate stakeholder requirements into actionable sourcing plans.
• Support sustainable procurement and execute supplier diversity initiatives.

Financial Management & Commercial Impact

• Deliver cost‑effective sourcing solutions across existing and new products.
• Drive cost avoidance and cash‑flow improvements through negotiation plans and execution.
• Live into financial cycles and business plan deliverables.
• Manage key procurement performance indicators (CIP, Cash, Cost Avoidance, Inflation, etc.).

Risk, Resiliency & Compliance

• Promptly escalates commercial, supply, quality, and regulatory risks. Drives mitigation actions where appropriate.
• Maintains contingency and continuity plans.
• Supports compliance with regulatory and quality requirements.

Data, Tools & Continuous Improvement

• Leverages procurement systems and analytics for insights and to support decision‑making.
• Consistent use of digital tools and automation opportunities.
• Uses data to drive continuous improvement in supplier and sourcing performance.

Innovation

• Leverages category strategy to identify supplier innovation projects based on needs.
• Leads projects through commercialization, ensuring qualification and verification.
• Ensures appropriate representation from Quality, R&D, and Procurement throughout project phases.

Qualifications Education

• Bachelor’s degree (preferred fields include Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Supply Chain Management or equivalent); MBA or Master’s degree preferred.

Experience And Skills Required

• A minimum of six years of relevant professional experience, preferably inside and outside Procurement.
• Analytical skills required to perform data analyses in support of sourcing strategy development.
• Negotiation and relationship management experience required.
• Ability to accomplish projects with suppliers and internal business partners through interpersonal skills, leadership style and broad operational expertise is required.
• Demonstrated project management and leadership experience in leading cross‑functional/cross‑company projects is required.
• Demonstrated ability to make difficult decisions in a timely fashion is required.
• Planning and organizational skills are required.
• Strong presentation and communication skills are required.
• Familiarity with digital and AI tools.

Leadership Behaviors & Competencies

• Results‑oriented, accountable, and action‑driven.
• Collaborative relationship‑builder.
• Agile and adaptable in a fast‑moving environment.
• High ethical standards and governance alignment.
• Customer‑focused with a mindset for innovation.

Other Requirements

• Up to 20% domestic and international travel may be required.

Preferred Skills

• Business Data Analysis
• Business Savvy
• Category Management Strategy
• Coaching
• Competitive Landscape Analysis
• Contract Management
• Cost‑Benefit Analysis (CBA)
• Critical Thinking
• Data Analysis
• Market Savvy
• Negotiation
• New Program Development
• Performance Measurement
• Process Improvements
• Procurement Policies
• Relationship Building
• Risk Management
• Spend Analysis
• Strategic Thinking
• Supplier Collaboration
• Sustainable Procurement
• Technical Credibility
• Vendor Selection

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