The Senior Category Manager is responsible for developing and managing strategic relationships with external generic pharmaceutical injectable and biosimilar manufacturers, creating mutual value for Cencora and the manufacturer(s). This individual will lead supplier contract negotiations and be responsible for formulary sourcing strategies.  This individual will also serve as a key liaison between Cencora’s external manufacturing partners and internal cross‑functional teams, including Sales & Marketing, Finance, Legal, and Supply Chain. This position plays a critical role in identifying value creation opportunities, while ensuring alignment with Cencora’s broader commercialization and sourcing partners.

This role requires a deep understanding of the generic sourcing and/or manufacturing space, strong financial acumen, and strong negotiation skills. This individual should be able to lead manufacturer business reviews, resolve commercial challenges with little support from management, and effectively represent Cencora in executive‑level engagements.

• Negotiates distribution service contracts on behalf of Cencora Global Procurement. This individual should be proficient in redlining contracts, be able to consolidate feedback from multiple stakeholders, and effectively manage the contracting rigor this position requires. This individual should be familiar with wholesale/distribution contract terminology and implications.
• Establish relationships with new / emerging generic injectable and biosimilar manufacturers.
• Enhance / build-upon the strategic sourcing relationships that already exist with mature generic injectable and biosimilar manufacturers, while also managing customer expectations and Cencora related programs.
• Manage trade affairs, which includes: supporting the commercialization of new generic & biosimilar launches, solve for supply disruptions to preserve a strong outbound service level, ensure inventory is stocked appropriately across Cencora’s Full-Line and Specialty distribution networks, and assist with disputes and/or issues between supplier and the Cencora enterprise.
• Work cross-functionally with internal departments such as: commercial sales team, Marketing, Finance, Legal, Replenishment Ops. and other Supply Chain Management entities to promote the best interests of Cencora and those we serve.
• Represents Cencora favorably with suppliers and acts as an advocate for company interests relative to suppliers' actions and policies.
• Desire to be part of a best-in-class sourcing environment.
• Generates profit-enhancing opportunities such as deals, rebates, and promotional activities for assigned suppliers.
• Overtime, learn and promote several sourcing programs resulting in increased value for both Cencora and its customers.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Experience & Education:

• Requires broad experience in fields such as business administration, accountancy or finance, sales, marketing, or similar vocations, generally obtained through completion of a four-year bachelor's degree program or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Normally requires a minimum of seven (7) years of directly related and progressively responsible experience.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Outstanding knowledge of pharmaceutical wholesale/distribution segment. This includes familiarity with the products being sourced (generic injectables and biosimilars), having relationships within the supplier base, and deeply understanding the purchasing model/financials. It would be helpful if this individual understands the filing pathways to obtain regulatory approval and is familiarity with FDA audits.
• Knowledge about Cencora’s distribution network, (full-line and specialty), in addition to understanding Cencora’s Specialty GPO’s would be valuable.
• Financial / analytical perspective to be able to evaluate deals and support contract negotiations (may include cost / benefit analysis, risk / reward assessment, etc.)
• Excellent negotiating skills
• Can do attitude, desire to learn, resourceful.
• Excellent computer skills in order to operate effectively with company systems and programs; deep knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and Outlook.
• Working knowledge of sales, purchasing, supply chain management and/or inventory management principles and methodologies
• Exceptional relationship management and contract management capabilities, including discipline to departmental processes and procedures
• Ability to deal with confrontational issues in a positive manner
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Strong interpersonal/relationship skills (ability to hold a conversation, find common ground, be memorable)
• Strong organizational skills; attention to detail
• Ability to implement processes resulting in satisfactory audit practices

What Cencora offers

We provide compensation, benefits, and resources that enable a highly inclusive culture and support our team members’ ability to live with purpose every day. In addition to traditional offerings like medical, dental, and vision care, we also provide a comprehensive suite of benefits that focus on the physical, emotional, financial, and social aspects of wellness. This encompasses support for working families, which may include backup dependent care, adoption assistance, infertility coverage, family building support, behavioral health solutions, paid parental leave, and paid caregiver leave. To encourage your personal growth, we also offer a variety of training programs, professional development resources, and opportunities to participate in mentorship programs, employee resource groups, volunteer activities, and much more. For details, visit https://www.virtualfairhub.com/cencora

Equal Employment Opportunity

Cencora is committed to providing equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or membership in any other class protected by federal, state or local law.

The company’s continued success depends on the full and effective utilization of qualified individuals. Therefore, harassment is prohibited and all matters related to recruiting, training, compensation, benefits, promotions and transfers comply with equal opportunity principles and are non-discriminatory.

Cencora is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the employment process which are consistent with legal requirements. If you wish to request an accommodation while seeking employment, please call 888.692.2272 or email [email protected]. We will make accommodation determinations on a request-by-request basis. Messages and emails regarding anything other than accommodations requests will not be returned

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