POSITION PURPOSE

As Category Leader – IT, you are responsible for leading and executing sourcing activities across IT categories, including SaaS, IT services, IT hardware, cloud solutions, and licensing and responsible to support designing, deploying, and continuously evolving the global sourcing strategies for IT hardware, software, and related IT services across the organization.

POSITION PURPOSE

As Category Leader – IT, you are responsible for leading and executing sourcing activities across IT categories, including SaaS, IT services, IT hardware, cloud solutions, and licensing and responsible to support designing, deploying, and continuously evolving the global sourcing strategies for IT hardware, software, and related IT services across the organization.

Operating in a highly regulated and cost sensitive generics pharmaceutical environment, the role is critical to ensuring IT performance, cybersecurity, compliance, and cost efficiency, while enabling digital transformation and business continuity.

You act as a strategic partner to IT, Digital, Finance, and Business teams. You independently drive sourcing initiatives, supplier interactions, and contract negotiations within your scope, while supporting category strategy and working under the direction of the Category Manager or procurement leadership for broader strategic topics.

Main Accountabilities And Duties

Category Strategy & Value Creation

Actively support the development, updates, and periodic review of the Global IT category strategy, working closely with the Category Manager and procurement leadership

Proactively gather and consolidate business and IT requirements, including demand forecasts, functional needs, and consumption patterns, to ensure category strategies are aligned with business priorities

Contribute to the execution of category strategies across IT hardware (end-user devices, infrastructure, network equipment), software (ERP, business applications, SaaS, licensing), and IT services (managed services, cloud, application development, support & maintenance)

Support the alignment of category strategies with IT and digital roadmaps, cybersecurity and data integrity requirements, cost competitiveness, and standardization objectives

Contribute to value creation initiatives beyond savings, including license and application rationalization, vendor consolidation, platform standardization, and adoption of scalable and cloud-based solutions

Monitor IT market trends (software vendors, cloud economics, licensing models, supplier landscape, AI and automation) and translate insights into sourcing recommendations and category inputs

IT Sourcing and Procurement Execution

Execute category plans and lead tactical sourcing activities for assigned sub-categories (RFIs/RFPs, bid and supplier evaluation, procurement recommendation, contract implementation) in line with the strategy defined by the Category Manager

Conduct commercial evaluations, including pricing analysis, benchmarking,



and total cost of ownership (TCO)

Ensure structured and competitive supplier selection processes

Ensure contracts align with agreed commercial terms and compliance requirements

Act as a key procurement contact for stakeholders, translating business needs into sourcing actions

Manage operational supplier relationships incl. day-to-day communications, order confirmations, delivery tracking, and escalation of quality or performance issues

Support supplier onboarding and qualification processes, including collection of required documentation (e.g., quality certificates, insurance, compliance attestations)

Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)

Lead strategic supplier interactions and conduct negotiations within defined scope, focusing on pricing and commercial terms

Identify and drive cost optimization opportunities (e.g., license optimization, demand consolidation)

Support the implementation and continuous improvement of the SRM framework defined by the Category Manager

Monitor supplier performance using KPIs and scorecards; coordinate corrective actions with suppliers and internal functions; surface recurring or strategic risks to the Category Manager.

Ensure risk mitigation through dual sourcing, exit strategies, cybersecurity assessments, and business continuity planning.

Cross-functional Collaboration

Act as a key procurement partner with the Procurement CoE, IT & Digital teams, Cybersecurity, Finance, Legal, and Compliance

Serve as primary point of contact for internal requestors on routine purchasing queries, clarifying specifications and ensuring timely fulfillment

Collaborate in cross-functional procurement projects and support category manager on larger tenders / sourcing events

Mentor and provide practical guidance to Buyers working within the category

Support major IT programs, including the ERP and application rollouts, cloud and infrastructure transformations, digital and data initiatives

Contribute to IT governance bodies and decision forums.

Cost Management & Budget/LRP exercise

Deliver on-target savings and cost-control measures identified in the category plan; document and validate realized savings

Support Procurement CoE and Finance in tracking the savings delivery vs commitments and IT cost evolution and capitalization impacts

Contribute to demand management, usage consolidation and specification rationalization initiatives under guidance of the Category Manager

Support budget alignment and financial planning processes

Sustainability & ESG Integration

Embed ESG criteria into supplier selection and performance management (e.g., CO2 emissions, green warehousing,



electric fleets).

Promote sustainable logistics practices and collaborate with suppliers on carbon reduction initiatives.

Track and report sustainability KPIs in alignment with corporate ESG goals and external reporting requirements

Governance & Compliance

Ensure full compliance with internal procurement policies, cybersecurity, data integrity, and audit standards

Maintain accurate documentation, contracts, and supplier records to support audit readiness.

Maintain up-to-date category and supplier records, spend data, and documentation to support reporting and audits

Support suppliers risk assessments and purchasing activities (e.g., supply continuity, regulatory and quality risks) and implement mitigations

Proactively manage supplier, contract, and operational risks

Support audit readiness and procurement governance

Required Qualifications, Experience & Skills

Master's degree in business, Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, Pharmacy or related discipline.

Typically, 3-6 years of Procurement experience with hands-on responsibility for sourcing, supplier management and contract administration in Indirect procurement

Experience in pharma or regulated manufacturing is an advantage

Advanced negotiation, stakeholder management, and project leadership skills

Strong ability to run sourcing events, assess bids, and ensure smooth supplier onboarding and contracting

Proven operational experience with P2P/S2C processes and systems, supplier onboarding and performance tracking

Practical exposure to working with Quality/Regulatory requirements in purchasing contexts

Proficient at managing supplier relationships operationally, tracking KPIs, and coordinating corrective actions

Strong expertise in IT category strategy, SRM, and complex negotiations

Solid understanding of IT cost structures, licensing models, and service delivery

Proven track record in managing global suppliers and delivering complex procurement projects.

Understanding of contractual, legal, compliance, and security aspects in IT procurement

Strong stakeholder management and communication skills

Ability to operate effectively in cross-functional and international environments

Fluent in English (written and spoken); additional languages are a plus.

Diversity is a fact. Inclusion is an act @Zentiva

At Zentiva, we are a team of 5000 unique talents bonded together by our purpose to provide health and well-being for all generations. We strive daily to create a work culture where everyone feels appreciated, can be their true selves, and contribute to the best of their ability. Seeking for a balanced team across the company, we welcome applications from all qualified candidates with variouseducational and industry experiences,cultural or ethnical backgrounds, and differentlife experiencesorabilities,regardless of theirreligious or philosophical beliefsorwhomever they choose to love.

Minimum Gross Annual Salary in Italy: 58,000 EUR

📌 Category Leader - IT (Milano)
🏢 Zentiva
📍 Milano