Novartis is a global healthcare company dedicated to reimagining medicine to improve and extend lives. With a strong focus on innovation, Novartis is at the forefront of pharmaceutical research and development, ensuring high-quality, cost-effective healthcare solutions. The company fosters a collaborative environment that values diversity, integrity, and excellence in medical research and clinical trials. Join Novartis and be part of a mission-driven organization that is shaping the future of healthcare.
Responsibilities in the Job
As a Procurement Specialist – Medical Affairs, you will play a crucial role in supporting Novartis Clinical Trials by managing contracts with clinical Contract Research Organizations (CROs). Your key responsibilities will include:
- Preparing and releasing RFI (Request for Information), RFP (Request for Proposal), and RFQs (Request for Quotation).
- Negotiating with new and existing suppliers to support business requirements.
- Acting as the main point of contact for vendors to negotiate the scope of work, study assumptions, pricing, and payment schedules.
- Developing and executing Master Service Agreements (MSA) and Service Level Agreements (SLA).
- Collaborating with internal departments like Legal, Finance, and QA to ensure agreements are commercially advantageous.
- Ensuring supplier selection aligns with the category strategy and maximizes value.
- Managing contract packages for clinical ESP activities while ensuring compliance with SOX regulations and company procedures.
- Supporting vendor audits and facilitating corrective action plans.
- Monitoring supplier performance and ensuring compliance with contracts.
- Driving innovation and identifying value-added opportunities in procurement.
Qualifications Required
To be eligible for the Procurement Specialist – Medical Affairs role, candidates must meet the following qualifications:
- A minimum of 5 years’ experience in Clinical Development, Pharma R&D, or Procurement.
- At least 5 years of experience in Outsourcing within the Pharmaceutical or CRO industry.
- A Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Pharmaceutical Sciences is required.
- Strong understanding of clinical development processes and trial management.
- Excellent knowledge of contract negotiation, legal terms, and financial aspects of clinical trials.
- Expertise in Clinical CRO marketplace, including central laboratories, reference laboratories, and specialty providers.
Skills Required
To succeed in this role, candidates must possess the following skills:
- Excellent negotiation and influencing skills to secure cost-effective vendor agreements.
- Strong financial acumen to analyze trial contracts and cost elements.
- Ability to interpret complex specifications and optimize supplier performance.
- Project management skills to plan, organize, and execute procurement strategies.
- Stakeholder management abilities to build long-term relationships with internal and external partners.
- Analytical thinking to identify cost-saving opportunities and risk mitigation strategies.
