Director, Global Indirect Procurement

Date: Jul 29, 2025

Location: North York, ON, CA, M9L 2Z7

Company: Apotex

About Apotex Inc.

Apotex is a Canadian-based global health company. We improve everyday access to affordable, innovative medicines and health products for millions of people worldwide, with a broad portfolio of generic, biosimilar, innovative branded pharmaceuticals and consumer health products. Headquartered in Toronto, with regional offices globally, including in the United States, Mexico and India, we are the largest Canadian-based pharmaceutical company and a health partner of choice for the Americas for pharmaceutical licensing and product acquisitions.

For more information visit: www.apotex.com.

Job Summary

The Director, Global Indirect Category Management is responsible for category management strategy development and structure setup, supplier portfolio management, contract negotiations, cost optimization, risk management and business continuity planning & execution. The Director will lead the creation and implementation of category strategies and procurement for all indirect categories of goods and/or services. The Director is responsible for knowledge & expertise on current  market as well as providing guidance to the business on markets and category risks and opportunities. The Director is also accountable for planning and leading the procurement transformation and knowledge management initiatives to further develop/support the procurement organization.

In conjunction with the VP, Global Procurement, this role assumes leadership responsibility ensuring indirect procurement practices, policies and procedures are developed and implemented providing leading edge performance while aligning and meeting business requirements. The role will be a key part of global procurement leadership team developing strategy, direction, priorities and leveraging resources to meet Apotex's requirements. This role works globally and cross-functionally, providing strategic direction and optimal solutions to site teams, corporate functions and other business stakeholders at all levels to create value, reduce total cost of ownership and mitigate risks, while ensuring alignment with overall business strategies.

Job Responsibilities

  • Provide Strategic Direction and Leadership to develop a high-performing team that understands and implement Global Category Management Strategies and can effectively communicate and collaborate with others
  • Leading the development & execution of long-term Global Category Management Strategies that deliver value and create competitive advantage for the Business
  • Lead a team of Indirect Procurement Category Managers & Category Specialist to manage indirect procurement strategic sourcing process
  • Accountable for delivering key category performance objectives including: annual cost savings, supplier rationalization, sustainable & digital procurement, contract coverage, supplier’s performance, supply chain risk management and support new product development
  • Ensuring each category of spend has a strategic plan which successfully meets targets and achieves the desired business resultsthrough development and implementation of sourcing plans
  • Lead the development & reporting of key performance metrics for Global Category Management
  • Acts as primary liaison between Global Indirect Procurement team and Business Stakeholders across all categories and for all geographies
  • Provide guidance and support Category Managers in identification, implementation and communication of sourcing strategies and negotiation levers to optimize savings
  • Translates business strategies into global indirect procurement opportunities to drive improved spend management or service levels
  • Takes a proactive role in facilitating and monitoring the adoption, use and implementation of Global Indirect Procurement processes and systems
  • Relationship management within business segments/ Lead the development of collaborative approaches & work with internal business partners to identify gaps in performance & oppurtunities to improve total cost
  • Identify risks, provide recommendations, and implement mitigation plans as it relates to indirect procurement activities
  • Drive innovation and operational effectiveness by identifying and implementing relevant and meaningful continuous improvements.
  • Builds, manages and retain talent, drive a step-change in capabilities and culture, motivates staff and develops them to their full potential
  • Participate and lead performance conversations with employees, including monthly one on ones, to connect on performance; check in on employee’s progress toward achieving Objectives, offer support and remove barriers; and, communicate and revisit performance expectations to reinforce and encourage high performance culture and a safe working environment for all employees
  • Utilize open, honest, two-way communication to build trust-based relationships with employees, business partners and direct leader while continuously improving leadership capabilities by personally seeking feedback and development
  • Create a culture which values trust and provides the opportunity for Employee development and growth in pursuit of our purpose and demonstrating our core Values – Collaboration, Courage, Perseverance and Passion
  • Utilize professional networks to attract and hire talent in a comprehensive, differentiated and consistent manner essential to our continued growth; then, onboard new employees by providing a consistent experience that reflects the values and commitments made to candidates during the hiring process
  • Ensure team members compliance (direct reports) with all programs, company policies and procedures
  • All other duties as assigned

Job Requirements

Education:

  • University degree, with a specialization in Operations Management, Business, Supply Chain or Engineering preferred
  • MBA and/or SCMP accreditation preferred 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Ability to drive business insights, decisions and savings opportunity using strong data analytical skills
  • Expert knowledge on category management, strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, spend and supplier segmentation, procurement governance, supplier relationship management and contract lifecycle management
  • Demonstrated ability to identify and lead change management effectively across inter-disciplinary teams and matrixed environment
  • Demonstrates leadership and ability to lead, mentor and develop team members
  • Advanced communications skills (e.g. written, verbal, and presentation skills) and experience in business framing for middle to senior management stakeholder’s groups
  • Experience working in a highly regulated and compliance driven scientific, manufacturing or technical organization
  • Demonstrated success in providing Strategic and Result-oriented change Leadership as Procurement Leader of a complex, growth-oriented global manufacturing company
  • Strategic knowledge and understanding of global enterprise procurement systems with a preference for SAP, Ariba, or SMART
  • Demonstrates ability to lead development of new approach / solution to resolve complex business issues

Experience:

  • Ideal candidate has minimum of 15 years of Global Procurement/Category Management experience with increasing Global responsibility in a large matrixed company environment
  • 10+ years of Business Stakeholder Relationship/ Vendor Management experience
  • Possess a thorough business understanding from demand creation through fulfillment, including understanding of P&L and Balance Sheet
  • Experience with leading matrix teams across businesses, multiple global manufacturing locations and cultural boundaries
  • Possess strong process and critical thinking with a track record of reducing cost, improving margins and streamlining operations in order to achieve lasting financial improvements
  • Experience in managing an annual portfolio of between $250-500 Million including the establishment of associated metrics and reporting



At Apotex, we are committed to fostering a welcoming and accessible work environment, where all everyone feels valued, respected, and supported to succeed.

We offer accommodation for applicants with disabilities as part of its recruitment process. If you are contacted to arrange for an interview or testing, please advise us if you require an accommodation.