Associate Category Lead

Are you ready to take your procurement career to the next level and shape strategic sourcing in a global pharmaceutical organisation? Join Corporate Procurement at Novo Nordisk and play a key role in driving procurement excellence across our R&D value chain. 

Your new role 

As an Associate Category Lead within Clinical Services, you will join a high-performing procurement team driving global sourcing strategies across R&D. You will play a key role in shaping category strategies, delivering value, and influencing stakeholders across a complex and international organisation. 

Your responsibilities will include: 

• Leading and supporting strategic category management initiatives within Clinical Services and broader R&D spend categories 

• Managing end-to-end sourcing processes, including supplier negotiations and contract development 

• Driving cost optimisation opportunities and implementing procurement best practices across global teams 

• Building strong relationships with stakeholders to ensure alignment with procurement strategies and compliance standards 

• Supporting and driving change management initiatives to anchor procurement activities within the organisation 

In this role, you will work closely with colleagues across the R&D Sourcing team and interact with stakeholders at all levels, including senior management. You will operate in a fast-paced environment where collaboration, analytical thinking, and influence are critical to success. 

Your new department 

Corporate Procurement is responsible for managing Novo Nordisk’s indirect spend and defining global procurement strategies. With more than 140 employees in Denmark and India – and over 400 colleagues globally – the function is at the forefront of driving value creation across the organisation. 

Within Corporate Procurement, the Clinical Services team is responsible for procurement activities across the entire R&D value chain. The department is characterised by a strong global mindset, a focus on business partnering, and a commitment to fact-based decision-making and collaborative problem-solving. You will be part of a team that values initiative, ownership, and continuous improvement while supporting each other in achieving ambitious goals. 

Your skills and qualifications 

We are looking for a motivated and ambitious procurement professional ready to take the next step in their career. You thrive in a dynamic environment and are driven by delivering tangible business impact. 

To succeed in this role, you have: 

• A Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Supply Chain Management, or a related field 

• Experience within procurement, ideally within clinical development, pharmaceutical, biotech, or CRO environments 

• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across organisational levels 

• Analytical capabilities and a structured approach to problem-solving in a global context 

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with experience engaging senior stakeholders 

In addition, you are curious, proactive, and motivated by understanding complex value chains. You are comfortable driving change and take ownership of delivering results through collaboration and leadership. 

Working at Novo Nordisk 

Every day we seek the solutions that defeat serious chronic diseases. To do this, we approach our work with determination, constant curiosity and a commitment to finding better ways forward. For over 100 years, this dedication has driven us to build a company focused on lasting change for long-term health. One where diverse thinking, shared purpose and mutual respect come together to create extraordinary results. When you join us, you're not just starting a job – you're becoming part of a story that spans generations. 

What we offer 

There is, of course, more on offer here than the uniqueness of our culture and the extraordinary results we produce. Being part of a global healthcare company means opportunities to learn and develop are all around us, while our benefits are designed with your career and life stage in mind. 

Salary: For this role, the Annual Base Salary ranges from 651,000 to 956,900 DKK (DK), corresponding to the level of the position. 

The placement within the salary range will be assessed during the recruitment process based on the candidate’s skills, competencies, knowledge, and relevant experience.