Job Information
J&J Family of Companies Director Procurement, API Category in Zug, Switzerland
At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at jnj.com (https://www.jnj.com.) .
As guided by Our Credo, Johnson & Johnson is responsible to our employees who work with us throughout the world. We provide an inclusive work environment where each person is considered as an individual. At Johnson & Johnson, we respect the diversity and dignity of our employees and recognize their merit.
Job Function:
Procurement
Job Sub Function:
Category
Job Category:
People Leader
All Job Posting Locations:
Zug, Switzerland
Job Description:
About Innovative Medicine
Our expertise in Innovative Medicine is informed and inspired by patients, whose insights fuel our science-based advancements. Visionaries like you work on teams that save lives by developing the medicines of tomorrow. Join us in developing treatments, finding cures, and pioneering the path from lab to life while championing patients every step of the way.
Learn more at https://www.jnj.com/innovative-medicine
We are searching for the best talent for a Director Procurement, API Category to join our team.
This position will be located (onsite/hybrid) at an IMSC hub locations including Titusville, New Jersey and Zug, Switzerland
Please note that this role is available across multiple countries and may be posted under different requisition numbers to comply with local requirements. While you are welcome to apply to any or all of the postings, we recommend focusing on the specific country(s) that align with your preferred location(s):
United States - Requisition Number: R-067216
Switzerland - Requisition Number: R-067929
Remember, whether you apply to one or all of these requisition numbers, your applications will be considered as a single submission.
Summary:
The Director, Procurement – Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) Category is responsible for directing end-to-end API Procurement strategy and execution for New Product Pipeline and Launch & Grow products. This position will be responsible for delivering high-impact team and organizational goals related to cost efficiency, risk management, innovation, and sustainability that promote J&J’s business growth and objectives. As a distinguished subject matter expert and thought leader, the successful candidate will partner closely across Supply Chain, as well as R&D and other senior partners to advise on sourcing strategies, supply base shaping, and supplier performance. This role will communicate strategically to highlight initiatives and direct activities of team members responsible for outcomes that support J&J’s objectives and IMSC-Procurement strategy while proactively creating a purpose driven environment to align J&J’s leadership imperatives with the goals and objectives of the API team.
Key Responsibilities:
Procurement Strategy & Execution
Embody J&J IM’s vision of creating a future where disease is a thing of the past
Lead implementation of the Innovative Medicine Supply Chain Procurement Strategy within supply chain, driving high-value opportunity identification and capability uplift across Procurement.
Guide, shape, and support execution of category sourcing strategies aligned to short, mid and long-term business needs
Apply intellectual curiosity, advanced knowledge of market intelligence and category expertise to continuously find opportunities for value creation, and ensure a proactive sourcing approach
Define and communicate a prioritized roadmap of sourcing projects and ensure timely delivery against business requirements
Supplier Management & Contracting
Lead and direct strong relationships with strategic suppliers to secure performance, innovation, and continuous improvement
Support on supplier selection and due diligence processes – work with Supply Chain teams to enable smooth onboarding and ongoing performance management
Secure commercial agreements and contracts that balance value, risk and business continuity
Drive collaborative initiatives with suppliers to identify solutions for cost reduction, quality improvement and process efficiency
Guide category contract lifecycle activities, ensuring alignment with business needs, timely execution, and approval governance.
Partner Engagement & Cross-Functional Collaboration
Act as Procurement’s representative, and lead as applicable in cross-functional category and project forums
Partner across Supply Chain functions and R&D to enable product launches and operational readiness
Collaborate closely with partners to translate business demand into category sourcing plans, defining prioritization and guiding on timelines and risks
Sponsor sustainable Procurement and supplier diversity initiatives across the category
Financial Management & Commercial Impact
Recommend and report on cost effective sourcing solutions across existing and new products
Direct cost avoidance and cash‑flow improvements through guidance on negotiation strategies, payment terms optimization, and commercial levers
Ensure accurate Procurement forecasting, budgeting and alignment with the financial business cycles
Risk, Resiliency & Compliance
Proactively identify commercial, supply, quality and regulatory risks. Provide guidance on development and maintenance of continuity plans
Ensure sourcing activities meet relevant regulatory, quality, and compliance requirements
Raise critical issues promptly and coordinate mitigation actions with cross-functional partners
Data, Tools & Continuous Improvement
Drive category engagement with Procurement systems and analytical tools to drive category insights, reporting and decision making
Promote use of digital tools and apply sophisticated knowledge, coaching on automation opportunities
Analyze and communicate management level data to enable continuous improvement in supplier performance and sourcing outcomes
Innovation
Translate business and category needs into supplier innovation projects.
Represent Procurement in innovation initiatives at Platform leadership level.
Advise and support projects through commercialization, ensuring qualification and verification.
Partner cross-functionally (ex. Quality, R&D, and EM) to ensure appropriate representation throughout project phases. .
Qualifications:
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering or related field. MBA or other advanced degree or equivalent experience preferred
Experience and Skills:
Required:
Minimum 10 years of Procurement / category management experience (pharmaceuticals, FMCG, and / or chemical-engineering experience preferred)
Shown success in development of sourcing strategy, supplier management and contract negotiation
Proven knowledge and proficiency in procurement analytics tools
Familiarity with emerging digital/AI tools
Proven track record to influence cross-functional partners and present to senior leaders‑functional sponsors
Preferred:
Results oriented, accountable, dedicated and action-oriented
Collaborative and able to build trusted relationships across functions and with external partners
Strong communication skills with proven ability to translate business needs into priority initiatives
Ability to lead others through consultation, mentoring, and teamwork to build capabilities and development plans
Skilled in coaching and mentoring talent at multiple levels, including succession planning and development of future procurement and category leaders.
Creative approach; Agile and adaptable in a fast‑moving environment
High standards for confidentiality and adherence to procurement governance
Customer focused with a mindset for innovation and continuous improvement
Other:
- Up to 20% domestic and international travel
#LI-Hybrid
Required Skills:
Preferred Skills:
Business Data Analysis, Business Savvy, Category Management Strategy, Compliance Management, Contract Management, Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA), Critical Thinking, Developing Others, Inclusive Leadership, Leadership, Market Savvy, Negotiation, New Program Development, Performance Measurement, Procurement Policies, Relationship Building, Risk Management, Spend Analysis, Strategic Thinking, Succession Planning, Supplier Collaboration, Sustainable Procurement, Vendor Selection