Manager direct procurement category API/EXC/PACK/IN BULK & FDF
Place of work: Belgrade/Vršac

About the job:

We are looking for a candidate who will be responsible for strategic and operational procurement of direct materials in the categories of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), bulk and Finished Dosage Forms (FDF), as well as support for key transfer projects within the pharmaceutical industry.

In this role, you will develop and implement category strategies, manage supplier relationships, lead negotiations, oversee procurement risk management, ensure a stable and cost‑efficient supply chain, and closely collaborate with local, cluster and global teams.

Responsibilities:

• Lead, organize and coordinate procurement activities for assigned direct material categories
• Develop and implement category strategies, including planning, monitoring and execution of all related procurement activities
• Ensure a stable, reliable and cost‑competitive supply chain at both local and cluster level
• Manage supplier relationships: negotiation, selection and evaluation of suppliers, as well as preparation and execution of tenders
• Identify, analyze and manage procurement risks, with timely escalation of potential issues
• Collaborate closely with Production, Supply Chain, Quality, R&D, Regulatory Affairs, Safety and Global Procurement
• Coordinate procurement activities for one of the manufacturing sites, aligning procurement objectives with site targets
• Track performance, prepare reports and use SAP and other data sources to support proactive, data‑driven decisions
• Coordinate and develop the procurement team, ensuring compliance with current procedures, policies and STADA procurement strategies

Qualifications:

• University degree in Economics or a related field
• At least 3 years of experience in a similar role, preferably in procurement, supply chain or the pharmaceutical industry
• Excellent command of English; basic knowledge of another foreign language is an advantage
• Solid understanding of procurement processes, supplier management, negotiation, tendering and contracting
• Strong computer literacy, with experience using SAP tools and the MS Office suite
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders in a complex business environment
• Strong analytical skills, proactivity and results orientation
• Customer focus, with the ability to resolve requests efficiently and make data‑based decisions
• High level of ethics, integrity, confidentiality and responsibility
• Ability to share knowledge, coordinate team activities and support the development of colleagues