R&D Category Lead

Does it excite you to work with shaping strategic sourcing across R&D in a growing biotech environment, and do you have experience with R&D category management, supplier partnerships, and commercial negotiations in pharma/biotech? If this sounds like you, and you are ready to take on a broad area of responsibilities, then you could be our new colleague.

Your new position

As R&D Category Lead, this role plays a central part in shaping and executing sourcing strategies across Research & Development categories. Working closely with R&D leadership and reporting to the Head of Procurement, you have access to best-in-class external capabilities to support pipeline priorities, speed, quality, and innovation. You will help build a scalable procurement backbone through process development and digital enablement in a modern, data-driven setup.

We offer exciting responsibilities:

• Develop and execute sourcing and category strategies across R&D-related spend areas
• Lead category planning, supplier selection, and contracting in close partnership with R&D stakeholders
• Drive commercial negotiations and establish fit-for-purpose governance models with strategic suppliers
• Build and run supplier relationship management, including performance, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Monitor supplier capacity, risk, and compliance to ensure continuity and scalability of R&D activities
• Contribute to procurement process development and digital enablement (including Coupa rollout, adoption, and data quality), leveraging analytics and emerging AI capabilities

Your profile

As a person you take initiative are structured, and collaborative and enjoy partnering closely with scientists and R&D leaders. Success requires a balance of strategic thinking and hands-on execution, with the ability to translate complex stakeholder needs into robust sourcing solutions. You thrive with clear communication, fact-based decision-making, and a continuous improvement mindset.

• Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Life Sciences, or a related field
• Experience with R&D sourcing/procurement within biotech, pharma, or another regulated industry
• Solid track record in strategic sourcing, category management, and end-to-end contracting
• Proven capability in supplier relationship management, governance, and value creation with external partners
• Experience with procurement systems and digital procurement transformation (e.g., Coupa) is an advantage
• Solid communication and change management skills

Your new team

You will join the newly established Procurement function and work closely with the R&D organization and leadership. Reporting directly to the Head of Procurement the role is part of building a scalable, digitally enabled procurement setup and will collaborate across Procurement colleagues and key internal stakeholders to support pipeline progress and organizational growth.

Let's bond and be bold

We have a unique culture, characterized by excellent teamwork and strong engagement across the organization. And we want you to help us strengthen this culture.

Making bonds is at the core of everything we do. From discovering and developing the best new peptide drugs for patients, to engaging with our partners or connecting with each other. We bond through curiosity and playfulness as a team, allowing ourselves to challenge common thinking and drive future innovation. Join us and let's bond and be bold.

Interested in bonding with us? Then please apply no later than 5 March, or as soon as possible. The applications will be reviewed as they come in. While a cover letter is not required, please include a few sentences in your CV explaining your motivation for applying.

For further information, please contact Head of Procurement, David Jürs Vinther djvinther@zealandpharma.com.

We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and welcome applications from all job applicants.

About Zealand Pharma A/S

Zealand Pharma A/S (Nasdaq: ZEAL) is a biotechnology company focused on advancing medicines for obesity and metabolic health. Combining more than 25 years of peptide R&D expertise with a proprietary data platform that leverages advanced data‑driven and AI/ML approaches, Zealand Pharma aims to lead a new era in obesity and metabolic health. To date, more than ten Zealand Pharma‑invented drug candidates have entered clinical development, of which two products have reached the market and three candidates are in late-stage development. The Company has collaborations with global pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners for research, development, and commercialization. Founded in 1998, Zealand Pharma is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, with a U.S. presence in Boston, Massachusetts. Learn more at www.zealandpharma.com.