Procurement Director - R&D

Director, R&D Procurement (Global)

Our client is a leading global FMCG and Pharmaceutical organisation with a portfolio of market-leading brands and a strong commitment to innovation, quality and scientific excellence. As part of an ambitious growth strategy, they are seeking an experienced Director of R&D Procurement to lead a critical global procurement function supporting Research & Development activities across multiple international markets.

Reporting into the Global Direct & Innovation Procurement leadership team, this role will take ownership of a significant global spend portfolio covering Clinical Research, Pre-Clinical Services, Laboratory Services, Testing, and R&D Outsourced Services, with responsibility for over £80m of spend globally.

This is a highly visible leadership role partnering with senior stakeholders across R&D, Supply Chain, Commercial, Finance and External Suppliers to drive value, innovation, risk management and long-term procurement strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive global procurement strategy for R&D outsourced services and laboratory categories.

• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives across a complex global supplier landscape.

• Deliver value creation through cost optimisation, innovation, quality improvements and risk mitigation.

• Build strong partnerships with senior internal stakeholders to understand business priorities and align procurement strategies accordingly.

• Create compelling business cases and influence executive stakeholders to support strategic change initiatives.

• Lead contractual negotiations and work closely with Legal teams to execute complex commercial agreements.

• Drive supplier performance management and establish strategic partnerships with key vendors.

• Ensure sourcing strategies support regulatory compliance, business continuity and assurance of supply.

• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing procurement team across multiple regions.

• Identify emerging market trends and supplier innovations to support future business growth.

About You

You will be a strategic procurement leader with extensive experience operating within regulated environments and supporting R&D or Innovation functions on a global scale.

Experience Required

• Significant procurement leadership experience, including management of global teams.

• Deep expertise across Clinical Research, CROs, Laboratory Services, R&D Outsourcing or Scientific Services procurement categories.

• Strong knowledge of supplier markets within the pharmaceutical, life sciences, healthcare or FMCG sectors.

• Proven track record delivering global category strategies and measurable commercial benefits.

• Experience leading large-scale sourcing projects and complex contract negotiations.

• Demonstrated ability to influence and engage senior executive stakeholders across global organisations.

• Strong understanding of risk management, compliance and governance requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business, Science or a related discipline.

• Master's Degree and/or relevant professional procurement qualifications preferred.

Key Competencies

• Strategic sourcing and category management

• Executive stakeholder engagement

• Supplier relationship management

• Commercial negotiation

• Change management

• Project leadership

• Financial and commercial analysis

• Communication and influencing skills

• Team leadership and development

Apply Now

If you are an experienced procurement leader with expertise in R&D, Clinical Services or Scientific Procurement and are looking for your next strategic leadership opportunity, we would be delighted to discuss this position further

Guidant, Carbon60, Lorien & SRG - The Vertage Group Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.