Senior Category Manager - CMO and External Manufacturing Procurement

Founded in 1969, Pharmathen has grown into a leading developer and manufacturer of specialized pharmaceutical products and one of the largest vertically integrated companies in advanced drug delivery technologies. With a strong international presence, we remain committed to improving people’s lives through innovation and access to affordable, high-quality medicines. Today, our products reach patients in more than 90 countries worldwide, supporting better health outcomes every day.
Pharmathen employs more than 1,600 people from over 27 different nationalities, reflecting a diverse and international workforce. Our achievements are driven by strong scientific expertise, high ethical standards, and the dedication of our people, who share a commitment to improving patient lives.
Pharmathen offers a great opportunity for career development and is seeking to recruit a Senior Category Manager - CMO and External Manufacturing Procurement to join our Strategy Performance & NPI team at our Marousi premises.

The Senior Category Manager - CMO and External Manufacturing Procurement will manage a portfolio of external manufacturing partners supporting Pharmathen’s commercial and pipeline products.

The role will be responsible for sourcing, selecting, negotiating and managing CMO and CDMO partners across drug product manufacturing, packaging, analytical services and related outsourced activities.

The objective is to ensure supply continuity, cost competitiveness, compliant partnerships, timely launches and robust contractual governance across the external manufacturing network.

It is a business-facing role requiring strong judgement, solid pharma understanding, commercial discipline and the ability to manage complex partner relationships under pressure.

More particularly:

What you’ll do:

1. CMO and CDMO sourcing strategy

2. Contracting and negotiations

3. Tech transfer and launch support

4. Cost, cash and value delivery

5. Cross-functional leadership

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Pharmacy, Supply Chain, Business, or related field
• MBA or relevant professional certification is a plus

Experience

• 5+ years of experience in Procurement, Supply Chain, External Manufacturing, or CMO/ CDMO management
• Experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, or other regulated industries
• Proven experience managing suppliers and negotiating commercial agreements
• Experience working with cross-functional teams (Quality, Supply Chain, R&D, Finance, Regulatory)

Technical Skills

• Good understanding of pharmaceutical external manufacturing and CMO/CDMO operations
• Knowledge of GMP-regulated environments
• Experience with supplier selection, RFx processes, and contract negotiation
• Understanding of tech transfer, manufacturing, packaging, or outsourced services
• Strong commercial and financial acumen (cost analysis, payment terms, total cost management)
• Proficiency in SAP/ERP systems and Excel

Leadership & Behavioral Skills

• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Resilience and ability to perform under pressure
• High integrity, ownership, and sound judgment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with pharmaceutical CMOs/CDMOs
• Exposure to technology transfers and product launches
• Experience in international supplier networks
• Project management experience
• Fluent English; Greek is an advantage

Benefits

What you will gain:

• Involvement in a high-caliber, team-oriented and dynamic atmosphere
• Exposure to challenging business issues and practices
• Great opportunity to leverage and develop your business/ scientific knowledge and skills

Join our team and experience the unique Pharmathen’s culture that gives you the opportunity to innovate, to make decisions, to achieve your own potential and to chart your own career.

Pharmathen is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications regardless of gender, race, age, religion, sexual orientation, and national origin.