Category Manager, Professional Service & Human Resources - Addlestone
Category Manager, Professional Service & Human Resources
About Astellas:
At Astellas we are a progressive health partner, delivering value and outcomes where needed.
We pursue innovative science, focussing initially on the areas of greatest potential and then developing solutions where patient need is high, often in rare or under-served disease areas and in life-threatening or life-limiting diseases and conditions.
We work directly with patients, doctors and health care professionals on the front line to ensure patient and clinical needs are guiding our development activities at every stage.
Our global vision for Patient Centricity is to support the development of innovative health solutions through a deep understanding of the patient experience. At Astellas, Patient Centricity isn’t a buzzword - it’s a guiding principle for action.We believe all staff have a role to play in creating a patient-centric culture and integrating an awareness of the patient into our everyday working practices, regardless of our role, team or division.
We work closely with regulatory authorities and payers to find new ways to ensure access to new therapies. We deliver the latest insights and real-world evidence to inform the best decisions for patients and their care-givers, to ensure the medicines we develop continue to provide meaningful outcomes.
Beyond medicines, we support our stakeholder communities to drive initiatives that improve awareness, education, access and ultimately standards of care.
The Opportunity:
As the Category Manager - HR & Professional Services, you are responsible for leading the category to develop and implement effective value creation and cost reduction strategies. These strategies should be measurable, realistic, and provide clear benefits for Astellas.
You will proactively collaborate with global stakeholders to identify and deliver procurement strategies that align with and support Astellas' corporate and relevant functional strategies.
Additionally, you will work closely with the Global Head of Category, Global Category Leads, and Global/Regional Procurement Leaders and team members to execute the functional strategy.
You will be part of an inclusive team that works to develop innovative therapies for patients.
Hybrid Working:
At Astellas we recognise the importance of balancing your work and home life, so we offer a hybrid working solution allowing time to connect with colleagues in person at the office alongside the flexibility to work from home; optimising the most productive work environment for you to succeed and deliver.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing review of procurement strategies for the entire procurement cycle in the Professional Services & HR categories of spend, ensuring alignment with relevant global stakeholders.
- Conduct strategic sourcing initiatives, including fact-based negotiations (e.g., supplier and industry analysis, benchmarks, and cost structure analysis) for relevant categories.
- Engage with internal stakeholders to generate ideas and opportunities, ensuring the Category strategy and plans are aligned with functional and business targets. Collect business unit demands and, if necessary, align with key supplier management across regions.
Essential Knowledge & Experience:
- Substantial knowledge, expertise, and recent experience in the following categories: Temporary Workers & Talent Management, Legal Services, and Consulting.
- Proven track record of delivering significant procurement-led initiatives within a global matrix organization.
- Strong negotiation skills, with the ability to achieve optimal commercial solutions while maintaining credibility and long-term supplier relationships. Thorough understanding of legal requirements and risk management in procurement projects.
- Comprehensive understanding and experience in supplier management, including supplier development, cost drivers, market knowledge, and supply relationship management.
Education/Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
Additional Information:
- This is a permanent, full-time position.
- This position is located in the United Kingdom.
- This position follows our hybrid working model. Role requires a blend of home and a minimum of 1 day per month in our UK office. Flexibility may be required in line with business needs. Candidates must be located within a commutable distance of the office.
What We Offer:
- A challenging and diversified job in an international setting.
- Opportunity and support for continuous development.
- Inspiring work climate.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.