Associate Category Manager

at  Swisslinx

On behalf of our client, an international company within healthcare and life sciences, based in Bern, Swisslinx is looking for a Associate Category Manager who will be passionate about joining efforts in managing and expanding company’s portfolio. This individual will play a pivotal role in the strategic development and operational execution within generic department. .

Your mission:

• Support company’s Generic Sourcing Team’s strategic purchasing process within the synergy work stream, innovative global purchasing strategies and the implementation of off invoice, rebates and service fee programs.
• Assist Category Managers in implementing business plans and budgets for generic pharmacy purchasing, including long-range objectives, performance goals and metrics. Champion cross-functional opportunities.
• Support collaborative business plans with strategic, emerging, and global vendors. Support the development and maintenance of positive vendor relationships.
• Assist in vendor contract negotiations, guaranteeing the attainment of the most advantageous pricing, terms, discounts, allowances, quality, delivery, service, and dating.
• Ensure all generic pharmaceuticals meet established standards, and consumer and customer complaints, requests, and questions are resolved within guidelines.
• Assist in managing the Generic Sourcing Team’s email box and administer generic bidding activities.
• Support senior management with various ad hoc projects across the Generic Sourcing Team.
• Assist company’s Finance Team to manage resolutions with vendors related to accounting/vendor issues.

Your profile:

• Bachelor’s Degree / Business Certificate and knowledge of dispensing, handling, researching, producing, purchasing, and/or contracting of FDA approved drug products.
• Background and Learning Attitude: A background in procurement is a strong benefit. However, we also seek candidates with a background in medical devices, dental, or pharmaceuticals, possessing a strong motivation and eagerness to absorb our year-long, in-depth training program.
• English Language Skills: English as a mother tongue or a very high level is a must; knowledge of the US culture or way of doing business is a plus. The candidate should be confident in engaging with suppliers as well.
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills: The ideal candidate must have excellent interpersonal skills, able to build trust in our close-knit office environment; they should be an exceptional communicator, confident in engaging with customers, showcasing strong networking capabilities.
• Behaviour and Skills: We value cooperative, contribution-oriented individuals who exhibit proactive behaviour. Candidates should be good listeners, persuasive through reasoning and character, and confident in approaching others. Strong negotiation skills, loyalty, compliance with rules and regulations, and a balanced temperament under pressure are essential.
• Performance and Attitude: Candidates must demonstrate a willingness and ability to deliver high-quality work on time. We appreciate perseverance, assertiveness in influencing outcomes favourably for our company, and a high level of analytical and conceptual thinking abilities.
• Strategic Orientation: A quick, keen thinker with strategic insight is vital. The ability to maintain an overview, perceive interdependencies, and see the big picture will be critical for success in this role.

To apply or for any further information, please do not hesitate to contact Alina Peeva, senior recruiter: alina.peeva@swisslinx.co

Please refer the Job description for details