Product Category Manager

Job summary:

The Category Manager (Direct Spend) is responsible for supply chain management with pharmaceutical manufacturers.  This is done through collaboration with BioCare’s Business Development Teams and through engagement with various leaders with our pharmaceutical manufacturer partners.  This includes analyzing, communicating, and reporting to key stakeholders, Distribution Centers, and Supply Planning about supply arrival, delays or shortages.

Primary responsibilities:

• Direct collaboration with BioCare Business Development Teams and pharmaceutical manufacturers; reviewing distribution service agreements and amendments and managing days on hand requirements and other contractual requirements, as applicable.
• Mitigate business risks associated with supply constraints purchase order tracking & tracing and escalation.
• Collaborate with Supply and Inventory Planning to establish order quantities that meets supplier minimum order requirements and contractual agreements.
• Ensure purchase orders are correctly maintained in SAP, with correct amount and arrival dates.
• Establish frequent communication with suppliers to confirm shipments.
• Inform daily arrivals to Distribution Centers to give visibility of daily workload and priorities.
• Inform key stakeholders: Supply Planning, Distribution Centers, Customer Service, etc. for arrival of urgent orders.
• Manage returns process to manufacturers.
• Work with management to resolve any issues with vendors/manufacturers.
• Deliver quality customer service to all team members, customers, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Responsible for developing and reporting metrics to management on a regular basis, to include supplier scorecards to track on-time delivery and other key metrics.
• Develop and maintain procurement policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Perform all assigned duties in compliance with internal SOPs and external regulations.
• Bring any compliance issues to the attention of management.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by management.

Required competencies, knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to think strategically and independently.
• Excellent skills in the areas of planning, organizing, prioritizing, and negotiating to deliver results with a variable workload and multiple priorities.
• Ability to work independently and as an active participant in a team environment.
• Proficient computer skills, including intermediate to advanced level spreadsheet application ability.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written formats with customers, employees, and vendors at all levels.
• Knowledge of ERP systems; preferrable SAP S4/HANNA
• Knowledge of reporting and business intelligence systems; preferrable Power BI
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Must possess the skills and abilities to successfully perform all assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Must be able to pass a drug test and background check aligned with state and federal laws and regulations.

Required certifications, licenses, education, and experience:

• Bachelor Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• 3-5 years related experience in category management; preference within pharmaceutical supplier management.
• Advanced knowledge of ERP platforms, preferably in SAP.
• Advanced knowledge of Business Intelligence platforms, preferably in Power BI.

Preferred competencies, knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Experience in the specialty and generic pharmaceutical market.
• General knowledge of sales and negotiation techniques in a complex environment.
• Intermediate or advanced Excel knowledge.

Physical demands and work environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer and/or phone.
• Visual acuity to accurately read small print in shipping manifests, invoices, and other documents.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, squat, stretch, kneel, reach, grasp, and pinch.
• Physical ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, and pull up to 40 pounds.