Head of Indirect Procurement for Xellia Pharmaceuticals

About the Company

Are you ready to lead through transformation?

Xellia Pharmaceuticals is a global leader dedicated to delivering life-saving anti-infective therapies and critical care treatments. Headquartered in Copenhagen and wholly owned by Novo Holdings A/S, Xellia operates cutting-edge manufacturing sites in Denmark, Hungary, and China. Xellia Pharmaceuticals is renowned for its specialization in fermentation-based active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and select finished dosage forms for the global B2B market.

Xellia is undergoing a significant transformation to sharpen its focus on core capabilities—manufacturing and the global B2B commercialization of its essential anti-infective portfolio. This strategic shift marks a firm commitment to building a sustainable and agile organization in an increasingly competitive pharmaceutical landscape.

If you thrive in change and want to make a direct impact on shaping procurement strategy during a critical period of transformation, this is a unique opportunity to step into a highly visible and influential role.

Responsibilities

As Head of Indirect Procurement, you will take full ownership of global indirect procurement across a diverse range of categories including IT, professional services, travel and transportation, facilities, sales & marketing, consultants and more. Reporting directly to the Chief Procurement Officer, you will drive value creation, operational efficiency, and strategic alignment throughout the procurement lifecycle.

You will lead a small and dedicated team of 2 direct reports, building a high-performance culture and supporting Xellia’s broader transformation journey.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Strategic Leadership: Define and execute global indirect procurement strategies aligned with Xellia’s evolving priorities and business goals.
• Category Management: You have experience in Category Management (i.e. 7-steps sourcing, Category Strategies, etc.) and can support full Category Management mindset for the organization. You are also expected to be responsible and drive Indirect Procurement categories yourself.
• Team Leadership: Inspire, guide, and develop your team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and high performance.
• Supplier Management: Lead contract negotiations and manage key supplier relationships to ensure value, quality, and service excellence.
• Process & Cost Optimization: Identify and drive initiatives to deliver cost savings, streamline procurement processes, and enhance operational efficiency.
• Governance & Compliance: Uphold procurement policy standards and regulatory compliance across all indirect categories.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a trusted partner to senior stakeholders across functions and geographies, ensuring procurement supports business-critical needs.

This role is based in Copenhagen, with expected travel of 4–5 days per month to the manufacturing sites and occasional international events, supplier meetings and training.

Profile

We are looking for a commercially minded procurement leader with strong business acumen and the ability to lead through complexity and change. Your experience and drive will help ensure indirect procurement is a key contributor to Xellia’s transformation success.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• A degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, or a related discipline
• 10+ years of experience in procurement, including at least 5 years in a leadership role focused on indirect categories
• Experience in Category Management
• Deep category expertise in IT, professional services, consulting, and facilities
• Experience in a global manufacturing or life sciences environment is preferred
• Proven track record in executing procurement strategy across multiple sites
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills, with the ability to turn insights into action
• Exceptional negotiation and stakeholder engagement abilities
• A background in transformation or turnaround environments is a strong advantage
• Fluency in English (spoken and written)

Benefits

Xellia Pharmaceuticals offers an inclusive and internationally oriented workplace that values talent, innovation, and well-being.

As part of the team, you’ll benefit from:

• Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience
• Performance-based bonus scheme
• Employer-paid pension contribution of 12.5%
• Flexible working arrangements and wellness initiatives
• Opportunities for professional growth within a global and evolving organization

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV and/or Cover Letter.

This position is being managed by talent search partner HAYS. By clicking on the apply button you will be taken to the job post on HAYS’ page where you should hit apply to submit your application. A member of the HAYS team will then review your profile and application.