Associate Director IT Procurement

Job description

Mainz, Germany | full time | Job ID: 11551 Your Role: The Software Category Lead plays a strategic and operational leadership role within the global procurement organization of an international Life Science company. Operating in a highly dynamic and innovation‑driven environment with a strong focus on oncology research and development, the role ensures that software‑related technology investments, supplier partnerships, and sourcing strategies effectively support scientific, clinical, and operational business priorities. The Software Category Lead aligns business needs with market opportunities, drives category strategy execution, and safeguards compliance, quality, and speed across the entire software procurement lifecycle. Your Contribution: Category Strategy Development & Business Partnering Develop and implement a forward‑looking global software category strategy aligned with R&D, clinical, digital, and enterprise objectives. Proactively collaborate with business stakeholders to understand evolving scientific and technological needs. Incorporate market intelligence, innovation trends, and risk assessments. Sourcing & Negotiation Leadership Lead end‑to‑end sourcing initiatives (RFI/RFP/RFQ) for software solutions. Conduct commercial and contractual negotiations. Drive supplier selection based on strategic fit, performance, compliance, and value. Supplier Relationship & Performance Management Manage a diverse supplier ecosystem including SaaS providers and R&D digital platform vendors. Monitor supplier performance and resolve escalations. Ensure adequate capacity, redundancy, and resilience. Contract Lifecycle & Compliance Oversight Oversee contract lifecycle including renewals, amendments, and change controls. Ensure compliance with internal policies, regulatory expectations, cybersecurity, and data governance. Maintain accurate master data and category documentation. Continuous Improvement & Digital Enablement Drive improvements in procurement processes, automation, and digital tools. Support digital transformation and data‑driven decision‑making. Identify opportunities for cost optimization and innovation. A Good Match: 5 - 7 years of experience in procurement, category management, or vendor management, including at least 3 years focused on software/IT. Proven background in enterprise SaaS negotiations, software licensing, cloud solutions, and R&D digital platforms. Experience working in multinational life sciences, biotech, or pharmaceutical environments. Familiarity with regulated environments and the ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams. Strong strategic sourcing and category management expertise, with the ability to understand scientific and business requirements. Knowledge of GDPR, cybersecurity, and vendor risk management in software and technology procurement. Strong stakeholder management, influencing, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills, with resilience in fast-paced settings. Strategic, analytical, and data-driven mindset, including market assessment, benchmarking, and informed decision-making. Your Benefits: It's our priority to support you: Your flexibility: flexible hours | vacation account Your growth: Digital Learning | Performance & talent development | leadership development | Apprenticeships | LinkedIn Learning Your value: Your voice at the table | Culture on an equal footing | Opportunities to shape & impact | Support for your full potential Your health and lifestyle: Company bike Your mobility: Job ticket | Deutschlandticket Your life phases: Employer-funded pension | Childcare Apply now - We look forward to your application! Apply to our Mainz, Germany location by sending us your documents via our online form. For any questions, contact our talent acquisition team on: + 49 (0) 6131-9084-1291 (Monday-Friday from 1 PM to 3 PM CET). Job ID 11551 (please always specify if you have any questions) By submitting your application, you acknowledge that a background check will be conducted as part of the recruitment process in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. If you are considered for the position, BioNTech will conduct the background check through our service provider ‘HireRight’. You will be informed accordingly by your BioNTech-Recruiter.