Summary

The Lead Category Specialist role is responsible for the execution of predefined strategic sourcing processes for Construction and Capital Equipment and ensures adherence to policies and procedures.  The individual in this role will proactively address and resolve routine variations within the defined strategic sourcing processes, including but not limited to: issues related to supplier performance, documentation, delivery execution, pricing, and / or quality.  The individual will also participate in the refinement of sourcing strategies and improving sourcing patterns to improve Alkermes financial performance.

Essential Functions

• Develop relationships with internal customer base to better understand their procurement needs while leveraging best value through strategic sourcing opportunities.  Educate and train customer base on sourcing policies, processes, and systems.
• Administer the end to end purchase order process, supporting Finance, Receiving, Accounting, and Legal in the execution of the procure-to-pay process. 
• Using best practice procurement initiatives ensure purchases for Construction and Capital Equipment are placed and delivered on time to maintain business continuity, while negotiating best market price.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to ensure that department and site cost savings targets are met.  
• Drive adherence to and execution of corporate contracts and e-catalogs.  Manage key supplier business relationships, tracking performance, reducing supply base, and improving supplier performance while enhancing site compliance via key supplier spend.
• Lead sourcing initiatives, execution of RFIs/RFQs/RFPs, supplier qualification process, supplier analysis, total cost analysis, negotiation of contractual terms, and supplier selection.  Assist in corporate level sourcing efforts and meet all cost savings goals. 
• Conduct analysis on material usage and spend, and develop opportunities to improve service, meet schedule adherence, and identify savings.  Lead and secure supplier risk mitigation strategies for all site critical supply. Continually address concerns and revise strategy. 
• Ensure that the Procurement activities are in full compliance with EHSS, cGMP, Customs and SOX regulations. 
• Ensure that CAPEX and service contracts are fit for purpose, are aligned with business objectives/strategy, are cost effective, and delivered on time.  
• Refine and develop Master Service Agreements (MSAs) with Corporate Legal departments.
• Manage supplier relationships to include tracking performance in terms of delivery timeliness, quality, and cost, optimizing the supply base, and improving supplier performance.
• Provide support for and/or lead supplier Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs).
• Review and negotiate pricing and terms and conditions.
• Ensure compliance to corporate policies and procedures, corporate contracts, and department procedures.

Required Education and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Bachelors in life sciences or business major preferred.
• 6+ years of experience in procurement and sourcing or closely related 
• 2 years of experience with sourcing Construction and Capital Equipment
• Proven RFQ experience in a cross functional environment
• Proven track record of delivering tangible results in a global complex/decentralizing environment
• Experience in working with multiple teams and projects simultaneously 

Preferred Education and Experience 

• Involvement in a purchasing related professional organization a plus.
• CPM a plus.

Competencies

• General knowledge of strategic sourcing best practices and support systems
• Excellent interpersonal, communication (written and verbal), and customer service skills.
• Proficient in Source-to-pay and ERP systems and Microsoft Office.
• Dependable, flexible.
• Able to work independently.
• Ability to recognize potential vendor performance problems and to propose solutions.
• Ability to work effectively and negotiate with others to achieve goals.
• Self-directed with an ability to network and identify strategic sourcing opportunities
• General knowledge of GMP and/or GCP

Work Environment & Physical Demands & Travel

• Travel domestic and international – up to 15%
• In-house position based in Wilmington, OH, USA

Alkermes, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant because of race, creed, color, age, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, veteran status, military status, application for military service or any other class protected by state or federal law.

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