pbThis position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Head of Vendor Management / Associate Director based in Italy. /b /p pTake the lead in shaping vendor management and strategic outsourcing within an international pharmaceutical and life sciences environment. In this senior role, you will develop a centralized vendor strategy, strengthen supplier partnerships, and ensure external services meet rigorous quality, compliance, and performance standards. You will oversee the complete vendor lifecycle, from sourcing and qualification to contract negotiations, governance, and ongoing performance management. Working across commercial, operational, financial, legal, and quality teams, you will drive cost optimization, mitigate risks, and improve operational efficiency. You will also lead continuous improvement initiatives, implement scalable processes, and support the development of a high-performing vendor management function. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to patient safety while building trusted partnerships across a growing international business. /p h3Accountabilities /h3 pLead and develop the Vendor Management and Commercial Outsourcing function, establishing a strategic, centralized approach to supplier relationships, procurement, and outsourced service delivery. Partner with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to align vendor capabilities with business objectives while maintaining high standards of quality, compliance, financial performance, and operational excellence. /p ul liDevelop and implement a centralized vendor management and procurement strategy across business units, aligned with organizational priorities and long-term growth. /li liBuild and maintain strategic vendor partnerships that support business objectives, service quality, and reliable delivery. /li liContribute to senior management discussions, strategic planning, and decisions concerning outsourcing and external service providers. /li liServe as the senior escalation point for vendor disputes, performance concerns, and other supplier-related issues. /li liOversee the full vendor lifecycle, including sourcing, qualification, evaluation, onboarding, performance management, governance, and offboarding. /li liMaintain comprehensive oversight of approved, preferred, and prospective vendors, ensuring the supplier network remains appropriate for current and future business needs. /li liEstablish scalable vendor qualification and onboarding processes in collaboration with Quality Assurance and other relevant stakeholders. /li liMonitor vendor capacity and ensure supplier capabilities align with forecast business requirements. /li liConduct market assessments to identify alternative suppliers, emerging capabilities, competitive pricing,



and opportunities to strengthen the vendor network. /li liEstablish and maintain vendor governance frameworks, key performance indicators, service metrics, and quality standards. /li liEnsure vendor documentation, contractual agreements, and qualification records remain compliant, accurate, and audit‑ready. /li liIdentify and mitigate third‑party risks while supporting business continuity planning and the resilience of outsourced services. /li liCollaborate with Legal, Quality, and Contract Management teams to manage vendor agreements and maintain contractual compliance. /li liLead commercial negotiations and develop vendor pricing strategies that support value, quality, and cost efficiency. /li liDrive cost optimization across third‑party expenditure categories while maintaining service standards and business continuity. /li liMonitor vendor spending and provide financial reporting to support budgeting, forecasting, expenditure management, and financial control. /li liEvaluate opportunities for outsourcing, insourcing, vendor consolidation, automation, and technology adoption. /li liLead continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen vendor management processes, transparency, scalability, and operational effectiveness. /li liSupport the implementation of vendor management systems, process automation, and other technology solutions. /li liContribute to proposals, pricing submissions, and client‑facing commercial discussions when required. /li liProvide training, guidance, and mentorship to develop team capabilities and promote consistent vendor management practices. /li liBuild strong working relationships across Commercial, Technical Operations, Quality Assurance, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, and Project Management teams to ensure effective supplier performance and alignment. /li /ul h3Requirements /h3 pYou bring significant experience in vendor management, procurement, strategic sourcing, outsourcing, or partnership management within pharmaceutical, life sciences, clinical research, or similarly regulated environments. You combine commercial expertise with a strong understanding of supplier governance, risk management, and compliance. You are comfortable negotiating complex contracts, influencing senior stakeholders, and leading process improvements in a fast‑growing international organization. Strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and a collaborative leadership style will be essential to your success. /p ul liSignificant professional experience in Vendor Management,



Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Outsourcing, or Partnership Management within life sciences, pharmaceuticals, contract research organizations (CROs), or related regulated industries. /li liA proven track record of developing, managing, and optimizing high‑performing vendor and supplier networks. /li liStrong understanding of pharmacovigilance, regulatory affairs, quality and compliance requirements, and outsourced service delivery models. /li liDemonstrated experience negotiating complex commercial agreements and large‑scale vendor contracts. /li liExperience designing and implementing vendor governance frameworks, performance management programs, service‑level metrics, and risk management processes. /li liStrong commercial and financial acumen, including cost optimization, budgeting, forecasting, expenditure analysis, and financial control. /li liComprehensive knowledge of the vendor lifecycle, from supplier identification and qualification through onboarding, ongoing performance management, and offboarding. /li liExcellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, including experience collaborating with senior leadership and cross‑functional departments. /li liStrong communication, negotiation, relationship‑building, and conflict‑resolution skills. /li liExcellent analytical, problem‑solving, organizational, and project management capabilities. /li liDemonstrated ability to lead change, drive continuous improvement, and enhance operational effectiveness in a growing organization. /li liExperience working in fast‑paced, international, and high‑growth environments. /li liA collaborative leadership approach, with the ability to mentor colleagues, develop talent, and build effective working relationships across teams. /li /ul h3Preferred Qualifications /h3 ul liExperience in pharmacovigilance, regulatory affairs, quality assurance, or outsourced healthcare services. /li liFamiliarity with Vendor Management Systems (VMS), enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, or procurement technologies. /li /ul h3Benefits /h3 ul liFlexible working arrangements. /li liOpportunities for professional development and career progression. /li liExposure to international clients and diverse project portfolios. /li liA collaborative and supportive working culture focused on teamwork and knowledge‑sharing. /li liThe opportunity to work alongside experienced specialists in pharmacovigilance and regulatory affairs. /li liMeaningful work that contributes to patient safety and public health. /li liRecognition for professional expertise, contributions, and achievements. /li liSalary, healthcare coverage, equity, and specific paid‑leave arrangements are not detailed in the provided job description. /li /ul #J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Head of Vendor Management / Associate Director (Italia)
🏢 Jobgether
📍 Italia