The Head of Direct Procurement serves as the strategic leader and Subject Matter Expert (SME) for procurement within the Direct Procurement categories, including Raw Materials (Solvents, Nutrients, Reagents, Gases, Filtration aids and Resins), Product Filters, Manufacturing Services and Laboratory Testing & Services. This role oversees these functions primarily for the Xellia Pharmaceuticals sites in Copenhagen (CPH) and Budapest (BUD).

As the Head of Direct Procurement, you will be responsible for Direct Procurement initiatives, positioning you as the SME and key business partner for Direct Procurement within the Global Procurement team. You will lead a team of Category Manager and Category Specialist for Direct Procurement, coordinating sourcing activities globally across sites. This includes defining and implementing cohesive category strategies and ensuring their successful execution in alignment with business objectives.

The position is to be based in Budapest (Hungary) with responsibilities extending across Xellia’s global sites. Occasional participation in meetings at other Xellia sites should be expected.

Main Responsibilities:

Secure, sustain and drive Xellia’s development and manufacturing with Direct Materials and materials used in Research and Development
Responsible for supply of direct materials for API products in Xellia
Understand the API direct materials in general, as well as categories under responsibility segmented in details, i.e. the spend, suppliers, opportunities, risks, contracts, execute negotiations to improve relationships with suppliers
Contribute to maintain an OTIF in accordance with targets
Act as key escalation channel for issues related to direct materials within area of responsibility
Work closely with internal stakeholders such as Legal, Research and Development, Regulatory Affairs, Global Product Supply, Quality Assurance/Quality Control, Sales and Marketing globally to ensure proactive, timely solution implementation to issues related to supply sustainability
Ability to understand all needs of stakeholders for defined category globally and independently of territory
Develop with your team strategic procurement strategies and priorities in alignment with Xellia’s global company strategy and directions, in collaboration with senior stakeholders, including preparation, development, and execution.
Lead complex negotiations and contracting activities with key Direct Procurement suppliers
Act as a people manager and team lead, providing guidance, mentorship and performance management to a team of cross-country procurement professionals, fostering a high-performance culture aligned with strategic category goals.
Supplier relationship management (Set supplier KPIs, performance evaluation, dispute resolution, supplier visits, making/issuing Change Orders, delivery expedition)
Enforce Xellia’s Procurement Policy / Process compliance
Ensure compliance towards GxP and local laws
Contribute in securing that GxP regulations are followed at any time whenever is requested

What We Expect:

Relevant Master degree
5-10 years of experience in a similar position from the Pharma industry
Experience with business processes oriented to supply chain in the real manufacturing environment (e.g. raw materials management, manufacturing, quality assurance, continuous improvement, budgeting)
Experience with managing teams / direct reports
Strong stakeholder management skills and ability to operate on different levels of the organisation
Ability to set direction and build strong relationships and collaborate across boundaries
Ability to independently and proactively manage challenges and identify solutions and have the capability to stay calm and prioritise tasks under pressure
Understanding the purpose for cGMP production and / or pharma industry guidelines
Handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
Customer-oriented and enjoying collaboration with people of diverse cultures
Fluent in English required – spoken and written
 

What We Offer:

Competitive compensation and benefit package
„Nordic-style” culture – dynamic teamwork, good working atmosphere, flexibility, maintaining work-life balance
Opportunity to learn and develop
Good team spirit and friendly colleagues
Stable international company background
Multinational working environment
Home office opportunity

If you are interested in the position, please visit us at booth B8.