Senior Category Manager

The Position

Acting globally and working cross‑functionally, the Senior Category Manager plays a key role in shaping sourcing strategies that ensure sustainable, competitive supply and high service quality for our interventional clinical trials. The role combines strategic responsibility for a global category with active supplier management, stakeholder engagement and continuous improvement of sourcing approaches.

This position can be either filled in Germany (Ingelheim or Biberach) or the UK or Ireland.

If you want to apply for the position in the UK or Ireland, please use this link: Senior Category Manager Job Details | BoehringerPRD

If you want to apply for the position in Germany click “Apply now”.

This position has a hybrid setup with approximately 2-3 days per week on site.

Tasks & responsibilities

• You make a significant impact on the success of the Global Sourcing Clinical Development team by applying your strategic strength, persuasiveness and assertiveness. You will be responsible for sourcing activities within global Human Pharma’s clinical services categories.
• You assume responsibility for a worldwide category, managed in a highly centralised manner, by consistently challenging the existing status quo. Identifying enhancements and convincing the upper management to follow new ways of working will be part of your responsibility
• You act as global supplier manager for core service providers, establishing and enforcing a robust governance system to ensure compliance with industry standards and best practices.
• One of the key aims of this role is to further develop and strengthen relationships with external strategic partners. In parallel, you closely monitor the market and identify suppliers that best fit business needs.
• You continuously observe supply markets, search for new partners, service providers and solutions, while analysing and mitigating risks within the category.
• You manage a high volume of sourcing requests independently and ensure successful negotiation outcomes. Resulting contracts are managed in close alignment with internal business partners.
• You work closely with cross‑functional teams to implement cutting edge methods of working and contribute to improvements in speed, cost efficiency, value generation, use of new technologies and optimisation of buying channels
• You support the development and upskilling of sourcing colleagues through training and mentorship.

Requirements

• A master’s degree in business administration or an equivalent professional qualification; candidates with a bachelor’s degree combined with relevant professional experience will also be considered
• Experience in procuring services or goods, preferably within a pharmaceutical or similarly regulated environment and in a global sourcing context.
• Knowledge of market intelligence and sourcing practices related to Clinical Development services is an advantage.
• Experience with sourcing or supporting services related to early‑stage clinical development, including early clinical trials. Experience with fully outsourced trials is an advantage.
• Good understanding of established sourcing methodologies, including demand management, market and supplier analysis, compliance management, due diligence, risk management, supplier management, contract management and negotiation techniques.
• Extensive experience in working on international projects and collaborating with cross‑functional teams consisting of internal and external partners.
• Open‑minded, motivated and persuasive approach, combined with strong internal and external relationship management skills and willingness to take on responsibility.
• Team‑oriented mindset with the ability to work collaboratively in diverse, cross‑functional and international teams.
• Strong communication skills in English; German language skills are an advantage.

As part of our commitment to transparency and fairness, salary information will be shared during the recruitment process. We also offer a comprehensive benefits and wellbeing package.

Applications from persons with severe disabilities are warmly welcomed. In cases of equal qualifications, such applicants will be given preferential consideration in the selection process. 

Ready to contact us?

If you have any questions about the job posting or process - please contact our HR Direct Team, Tel: +49 (0) 6132 77-3330 or via mail: hr.de@boehringer-ingelheim.com

Recruitment process:
Step 1: Online application - The job posting is presumably online until July 17^th, 2026. We reserve the right to take the posting offline beforehand. Applications up to 3^rd July, 2026 are guaranteed to be considered.
Step 2: Virtual meeting in the period from beginning July
Step 3: Final interviews mid to end of July

Please submit your application documents in English.