Senior Category Manager - CMO and External Manufacturing Procurement

Pharmathen Open · verified Sep 10, 2026

On-site Marousi C-Suite Marketing Leadership

Leadership Marketing Leadership role at Pharmathen. Marousi.

Role brief

Growth Roles summary, based on the employer's posting.

What you'll do

You'll shape sourcing plans for CMO and CDMO partners across outsourced manufacturing activities
You'll choose partners, negotiate agreements and oversee ongoing supplier relationships
You'll help move technology transfers into production and support product launches
You'll manage cost, cash and value outcomes across the external manufacturing portfolio
You'll coordinate Quality, Supply Chain, R&D, Finance and Regulatory stakeholders

What you bring

You'll hold a bachelor's degree in engineering, pharmacy, supply chain, business or a related field
You'll bring at least five years in procurement, supply chain, external manufacturing or CMO/CDMO management
You'll understand pharmaceutical manufacturing, GMP settings and outsourced services
You'll have negotiated supplier agreements and worked with cross-functional teams in regulated industries
You'll use SAP or ERP systems and Excel, with strong commercial and financial judgment

Who this fits

This suits you if you can manage complex partner relationships, make sound decisions independently and stay effective under pressure. You'll work onsite at Pharmathen's Marousi, Greece premises in a business-facing role. Fluent English is required, while Greek is an advantage.

From the employer

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.