Global Category Manager (m/f/d)

Xellia Pharmaceuticals is a specialty pharmaceutical company committed to providing anti-infective treatments and critical care therapies for life-threatening conditions. With a focus on improving patient outcomes, Xellia operates state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Denmark, Hungary, and China. Since becoming wholly owned by Novo Holdings A/S in 2013, Xellia has grown its global presence, continuously innovating to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare industry.

Xellia Pharmaceuticals is looking for a Global Category Manager for Indirects, MRO & CAPEX to take on a strategic leadership role in the Global Procurement & External Supply department. This position will oversee the MRO and CAPEX procurement activities across multiple manufacturing sites in Copenhagen, Budapest, and Oslo. You will lead a team of Category Specialists and coordinate sourcing activities globally, implementing cohesive category strategies to meet business objectives.

This is a high-impact role where you will act as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for CAPEX procurement, particularly in relation to large-scale expansion projects, positioning yourself as a key partner within the global procurement team. You will drive strategic leadership through collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders and senior management, ultimately helping shape procurement strategy for the future.

Your Key Responsibilities
• Strategic Procurement Leadership: Develop and implement procurement strategies in line with Xellia's global company strategy, collaborating with senior stakeholders to align business objectives with sourcing activities.
• Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a team of procurement professionals, fostering a high-performance culture while providing guidance and performance management.
• MRO & CAPEX Procurement: Oversee global and regional MRO & CAPEX procurement activities, including engineering services, OEM process equipment, construction, and CQV services.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Manage supplier KPIs, performance evaluations, disputes, supplier visits, and ensure a strong supplier network that meets Xellia’s goals.
• Risk & Compliance Management: Identify and mitigate risks, enforce compliance with Xellia’s Procurement Policy and process, and ensure adherence to GxP regulations.
• Savings & Efficiency Projects: Initiate and manage cost-saving and efficiency projects to optimize procurement processes and achieve financial objectives.
• Reporting: Monitor spend and savings, report on performance metrics and relevant activities, ensuring the achievement of KPIs.
• Supply Chain & OTIF (On Time In Full): Act as an escalation point to ensure CAPEX & MRO projects follow defined timelines, contributing to maintaining supplier OTIF in line with Xellia's target.

You will report directly to the Head of Procurement. The office location is in Copenhagen, but you should expect regular travel—approximately 4 to 5 days per month—for onsite visits to the manufacturing facility in Budapest, as well as occasional events, meetings, supplier visits, and training.

To succeed in this role, we are looking for a strategic, self-driven, and experienced professional with the following qualifications:

 • An academic degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
 • 5-10 years of experience in a similar role, such as Global Category Manager, Technical Category Manager, or Lead Negotiator within the pharmaceutical or chemical industries.
 • Expertise in MRO, CAPEX procurement, and pharma-engineering with experience in production manufacturing environments.
 • Familiarity with contract standards like FIDIC, and knowledge of Danish standards (AB18, ABR18, ABT18) is a plus.
 • Ability to work in a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) environment, managing global and local supply chain challenges.
 • Proven track record of managing procurement teams and executing procurement strategies across multiple sites.
 • Strong leadership and people management capabilities.
 • Ability to work in a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) environment and manage local and global supply chain challenges.
 • Proactive, entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on process optimization and continuous improvement.
 • Fluent in English (both written and spoken).
 • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
 • Experience in consulting is a plus.

Xellia Pharmaceuticals offers a dynamic and international work environment with the following benefits:

 • A competitive salary based on experience.
 • A bonus structure based on short-term incentives.
 • An employer-paid pension of 12.5%.
 • Health and wellness benefits, flexible working arrangements, and the opportunity to work in a dynamic, global team.