R&D Procurement Lead

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and execute global R&D category strategies aligned with Qnity’s business priorities, growth plans, and procurement transformation roadmap.
• Apply advanced category management levers (demand management, specification alignment, supplier consolidation, should-cost/TCO analysis) to deliver measurable cost savings, cost avoidance, and productivity gains.
• Translate R&D needs (speed, flexibility, innovation, quality) into fit-for-purpose sourcing and contracting strategies that balance agility with governance.
• Lead global and regional RFPs/RFIs for R&D categories, embedding cross-site and SME input early to ensure adoption and reduce rework.
• Negotiate and manage master service agreements (MSAs), framework agreements, and pricing structures for R&D suppliers, ensuring strong commercial, legal, and risk positions.
• Drive standardization of terms, pricing models, SLAs, and performance metrics across regions and sites.
• Own strategic supplier relationships for R&D categories, including performance management, QBRs, issue resolution, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Partner with key suppliers to unlock innovation, technical capability, service improvements, and supply assurance, not just unit-price reductions.
• Ensure supplier strategies support Qnity’s global footprint of R&D facilities and evolving technology needs.
• Act as a trusted procurement partner to R&D leaders, scientists, engineers, and site teams by embedding procurement early in planning and project discussions.
• Gather and incorporate voice-of-the-customer input into category strategies, sourcing decisions, and contract negotiations.
• Lead and mentor regional buyers, sub-category managers, and efficiency buyers supporting R&D spend.
• Ensure sourcing and contracting activities comply with Qnity procurement policies, legal requirements, and internal controls.
• Oversee contract implementation, supplier onboarding, and performance tracking to minimize leakage and ensure value realization.
• Drive root-cause analysis and corrective actions for supplier, contract, or operational issues impacting R&D delivery.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Strong understanding of R&D procurement dynamics, including technical requirements, service-based sourcing, and innovation-driven supplier markets.
• Demonstrated ability to perform complex analyses (e.g., TCO, should-cost, NPV, value-based trade-offs) and translate insights into clear recommendations.
• Prior experience negotiating global or multi-site agreements with strong understanding of commercial and legal terms.
• Advanced Excel skills; strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office and SharePoint.
• CPSM or equivalent professional certification preferred.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Sciences, Supply Chain, Business, or related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of procurement and supply chain experience.
• Exposure to R&D, laboratory, or technically complex service categories is a strong plus.