Category Buyer - Indirect Spend

Company: Corden Pharma Colorado
Location: Boulder
Posted on: January 20, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description CordenPharma is a leading full-service Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) specializing in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients, drug products (DPs), and packaging. With around 3,000 employees worldwide, we help pharmaceutical and biotech companies manufacture medicines with the ultimate goal of improving people’s lives. Our network, spanning Europe and the U.S., provides flexible and specialized solutions across six technology platforms: Peptides, Lipids & Carbohydrates, Injectables, Highly Potent & Oncology, Small Molecules, and Oligonucleotides. We strive for excellence in supporting this network and are committed to delivering the highest quality products for patient well-being. Our People VisionWe strive for excellence. We share our passion. Together, we make a difference in patients' lives. SUMMARY The Category Buyer is responsible for leading end-to-end procurement and category management activities for assigned spend categories within a CDMO environment, supporting drug development and manufacturing operations. This role drives strategic sourcing, supplier lifecycle management, contract execution, and cost optimization while ensuring supply assurance, quality, and regulatory compliance. The position executes procurement transactions and sourcing initiatives while maintaining data integrity and documentation in compliance with FDA, EMA, and GxP requirements. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Develop, implement, and continuously improve category management and sourcing strategies aligned with business objectives, operational needs, and regulatory requirements Own the end-to-end procurement lifecycle for assigned categories, including sourcing events, supplier selection, contracting, and purchase execution Lead supplier identification, qualification, evaluation, and ongoing performance management Conduct and lead commercial negotiations covering pricing, contractual terms, service levels, and risk mitigation strategies Ensure continuity of supply through proactive supplier management, dual sourcing strategies, and contingency planning Partner with internal stakeholders (R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, Finance) to translate demand, technical specifications, and compliance requirements into sourcing strategies Perform market intelligence, cost modeling, and benchmarking to identify cost reduction, value creation, and innovation opportunities Manage category spending, budgets, and savings initiatives, including tracking and reporting procurement KPIs Monitor supplier performance, address non-performance or compliance issues, and drive continuous improvement initiatives Ensure all procurement activities adhere to company policies, GMP, and applicable regulatory standards Maintain accurate and audit-ready procurement records, including contracts, supplier documentation, and purchasing data within procurement systems Contribute to broader strategic procurement initiatives, process improvements, and cross-functional projects LEADERSHIP & BUDGET RESPONSIBILITIES Provides guidance and leadership where appropriate. Participates in the expense budget process by developing, tracking, and reporting data related to teams and projects. Provides daily leadership of team, training, and development; interviewing and hiring; managing time and attendance records; performance appraisals; rewarding and disciplining employees; and resolving daily problems and conflicts SAFETY & ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES Every individual is personally responsible for the safety and environmental aspects of their activities in the workplace. Each employee is expected to perform their job duties in a safe manner utilizing all their knowledge, training, ability, and experience. QUALITY RESPONSIBILITIES Corden Pharma Colorado (CPC) is a manufacturer of a variety of pharmaceutical products. In following Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), Corden Pharma Colorado manufactures in accordance with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), International Council for Harmonisation Q7 (ICH), and other global regulations as applicable. This is critical as it is our mission to not place patients at risk due to inadequate safety, quality, or efficacy. CPC’s Quality Management System, which incorporates cGMP, is designed to deliver this quality objective. Attainment is produced through the requisite participation and commitment of all staff across departments and at all levels within the company. cGMP is the part of Quality Management System ensuring products are consistently produced to accurate quality standards. Adherence to clearly defined procedures, in compliance with the principles of cGMP, is required when performing operations across Corden Pharma Colorado. QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Data/Computer Science, Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related field. Master’s Degree (MBA, Data Analytics, or related scientific field) preferred. Five years of procurement/sourcing experience in mid- to large multinational company. Category or business engagement experience preferred, with 3 years in a GMP-compliant pharmaceutical manufacturing or life sciences environment Strong data analytics capabilities, including the ability to interpret complex procurement data and extract actionable procurement insights. Familiarity with FDA, EMA, ICH Q10 , and 21 CFR Part 11 requirements. LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend English. Ability to read, write, and comprehend instructions, correspondence, and memos. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to leadership and other employees of the organization. MATHEMATICAL SKILLS Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent, and to draw and interpret bar graphs. REASONING ABILITY Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. Ability to apply and understand logical principles as they apply to analytics and business requests. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS Preferred: Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate, Certified Business Intelligence Professional (CBIP), GAMP 5 or equivalent GxP training certification , PMP or Agile/Scrum certification (for project-based work). PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; work with hands; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach above shoulder height; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles and noise typical of an office environment. CORE COMPETENCIES These are the specific areas of knowledge, skill and ability that are important for successful job performance. They must be job related and consistent with business necessity. Strong background in business intelligence, pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, and a thorough understanding of GMP and regulatory compliance frameworks Technical & Analytical Skills Proficient with BI and data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau, QlikView, Smartsheet) Advanced SQL and data modeling capabilities Experience with data extraction from a variety of GMP systems such as: SAP, Oracle, LabWare, Sample Manager, TrackWise, Master Control, Veeva Familiarity with KPIs (DIO, OTIF, OEE, yield, lead time, release time) Pharma-Specific Knowledge Understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and data integrity principles Knowledge of validation processes (CSV) and when/how BI tools are qualified in a regulated environment Experience supporting regulatory inspections and responding to data-related audit findings Leadership & Communication Ability to communicate technical data to non-technical GMP stakeholders Strong organizational, project management, and leadership skills Experience managing cross-functional projects and/or leading technical teams Excellent computer skills Word, Excel, Visio, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc. SALARY Actual pay will be based on your skills and experience. BENEFITS 401(k) matching - Corden Pharma will contribute 100% of the first 6% - 100% vested after 2 years of service Accident Plan Critical Illness Insurance Dental Insurance Disability Insurance Employee Assistance Program Flexible Spending Account Health Insurance PPO/HSA Hospital Indemnity Plan ID Theft Protection Life Insurance Paid Parental Leave Tuition Reimbursement Wellness Program Vacation – Three Weeks 1st Year Vision Insurance EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Corden Pharma provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Corden Pharma embraces fair hiring practices. This post will expire January 30, 2026

Keywords: Corden Pharma Colorado, Cheyenne , Category Buyer - Indirect Spend, Manufacturing , Boulder, Wyoming