Category Buyer Direct Procurement - Princeton, US

Pleased to meet you, we are Galapagos, a dynamic growing Biotech company with offices across Europe and in the US, headquartered in Mechelen, Belgium.

We’re in the business of changing lives. In our quest to discover and develop life-improving medicines we go where no one has ever gone before. In every challenge we face, we see new opportunities. We pioneer for patients. We need thought leaders and rapid thinkers, entrepreneurs in spirit and status quo-fighters. Collaborative innovators and perseverant idealists. We need the best-in-class. In other words, we need you: The ‘make-it-happener’.

We are looking for a Category Buyer Direct Procurement - Princeton, US

Scope of the Role

The Procurement Team has embarked onto a transformational journey aimed to operate transversally and in an agile manner – breaking down silos and operating with flexibility and agility to deliver strategic solutions that not only optimize our supply chains but also enhance operational efficiency and build strategic partnerships with our suppliers.

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic Buyer based in our new facility in Princeton, New Jersey. You will report to our Global Category Manager Direct Procurement based in Mechelen, Belgium (headquarter), and will be part of an international team. In this role, you will lead the sourcing and tendering process and support the Category Manager in the deployment of the category strategies across different activities such as CAPEX equipment or services, kitting supplies and lab consumables, raw material, etc. In addition to these responsibilities, a broader support to the procurement team on various outsourcing projects for US and Europe might be requested. That’s why flexibility, agility, and curiosity are very important in this role. The ideal candidate must possess strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities and meticulous attention to detail.

Your role

You like to work in an environment where you can:

• Work cross-functionally with internal teams to manage projects and ensure their successful deployment across the organization.
• Cultivate strong relationships based on trust with your colleagues, business stakeholders and the suppliers in your portfolio.
• Influence how Procurement creates impact at GLPG through your business partnering skills.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the procurement function, including process enhancements, technology adoption, and cost reduction efforts.
• Focus yourself on added values activities to maximize your impact, drive innovation and contribute to the success and growth of the organization.

You will contribute by:

• Leading proactively procurement activities and projects with the internal stakeholders and managing the sourcing/tendering process (RFx): from needs identification, through tendering strategy, negotiations, and vendor selection.
• Leading the negotiation of the business and commercial terms of the contracts and demonstrating value for money.
• Ensuring proactively the follow-up and monitoring of the on-going projects: monitoring change requests and supporting Business on resolving critical commercial issues.
• Supporting the category manager in category strategies development and deployment: updating spend map and supplier categorization.
• Proactively engaging with relevant stakeholders and build strong relationships.
• Supporting Supplier Relationship Management at operational level with key stakeholders and strategic suppliers.
• Understanding the existing market industry and analysing the market’s competitive trends, dynamics and disruptors.
• Supporting implementation of new/improved procurement process/way of working/approach, taking into account the environment and different stakeholders.
• Support the category manager on operational tasks and day to day activities in alignment with the needs of the business.

Who are you?

• Minimum 5 years of experience in an international environment, with proven track record of fostering and leading successful collaboration across different geographies and cultures, particularly with Europe.
• Experience in direct procurement, CAPEX/OPEX in chemical/pharmaceutical environment or life science sector is a significant plus.
• Curious, fast learner and interested in working in a highly scientific environment.
• Excellent commercial negotiation skills and good basis in contract negotiation.
• Strong analytical and quantitative modelling skills including the ability to structure, collect, analyse, and communicate insights based on data in an organized manner.
• Great communication skills - engage in proactive and effective communication to drive collaboration with internal stakeholders and suppliers.
• Solid teamwork mindset: develop strong relationships and foster open communication.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Hands on and proactive in operational management & follow up.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and can navigate self through periods of uncertainty.
• Travel between sites both in United States (East coast) and Europe might be required.
• Travel to visit suppliers might be required.

What’s in it for you ?

At Galapagos, we prioritize your continuous growth and development, fostering a culture of empowerment. Our employees are the driving force behind our mission to lead in pharmaceutical research and innovation.

We offer a competitive compensation package and a supportive work environment with strong focus on your health and well-being. Join us in our journey towards sustainability, as we strive to make a lasting impact on both the industry and the planet.

We are Galapagos: together we can make it happen…!