Category Manager

 

Position Overview

The Category Manager – Generic Manufacturer Services is responsible for developing and managing strategic partnerships with generic pharmaceutical manufacturers to maximize value for both the company and its manufacturing partners. This role leads contract negotiations, sourcing strategies, pricing initiatives, and manufacturer programs that strengthen formulary performance, improve competitiveness, and enhance customer value.

Serving as the primary liaison between generic manufacturers and internal cross-functional teams—including Sales & Marketing, Finance, Legal, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing & Marketing Services—the Category Manager drives commercial strategy for an assigned portfolio of generic products. Responsibilities include managing supplier relationships, trade affairs, formulary strategy, lifecycle management, and identifying opportunities to improve profitability through rebates, promotions, and other value-added commercial agreements.

This position requires extensive knowledge of the generic pharmaceutical industry, strong financial and analytical capabilities, and advanced negotiation skills. The successful candidate will independently lead manufacturer business reviews, resolve complex commercial issues, and represent the Puerto Rico operation in executive-level discussions with strategic manufacturing partners.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with generic pharmaceutical manufacturers.
• Structure and negotiate commercial agreements that maximize value for both the company and manufacturing partners.
• Lead contract negotiations and execute strategic sourcing initiatives for assigned manufacturer categories.
• Manage supplier relationships, trade affairs, and contractual compliance.
• Identify and negotiate profit-enhancing opportunities, including rebates, allowances, promotional programs, and pricing initiatives.
• Develop and execute portfolio strategies to optimize formulary positioning, product lifecycle management, pricing competitiveness, and market performance.
• Collaborate closely with Sales & Marketing, Finance, Legal, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing & Marketing Services to execute commercial and sourcing strategies.
• Support commercialization initiatives and manufacturer programs that drive business growth.
• Prepare and lead manufacturer business reviews, performance analyses, and executive presentations.
• Resolve commercial disputes and supplier-related issues with minimal management oversight.
• Represent the organization during executive meetings with key manufacturing partners.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• MBA preferred.
• 7–10 years of progressive experience in one or more of the following:
• Pharmaceutical Category Management
• Strategic Sourcing
• Generic Pharmaceutical Procurement
• Manufacturer/Vendor Relationship Management
• Strong understanding of the generic pharmaceutical marketplace and wholesale/distribution environment.

Key Competencies

• Deep knowledge of the generic pharmaceutical industry and supply chain.
• Strong financial analysis and business acumen.
• Excellent negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
• Ability to lead complex cross-functional projects.
• Strategic thinking with strong problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent presentation and executive communication skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Office proficiency, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Fully bilingual (English and Spanish).