Head of Procurement (freelance)

We are looking for an experienced and strategic (international scope) FREELANCE Procurement Head to lead and shape the procurement function within a fast-evolving, innovation-driven organization.

In this pivotal role, you'll oversee the full procurement lifecycle—ensuring alignment between business needs, market dynamics, risk management, and value creation.

This role acts as a key business partner across departments such as New Business, Sales & Marketing, Quality & Regulatory Affairs, and Finance.

This is a high-impact position offering the opportunity to build, optimize, and future-proof procurement in a complex and competitive environment.

How your day looks like?

1. Category Strategy

• Define and drive category strategies aligned with business objectives
• Analyze spend, demand, and market trends to unlock value and cost efficiencies
• Establish sourcing priorities and strategic roadmaps

2. Sourcing & Contracting

• Lead end-to-end sourcing processes and supplier selection
• Drive negotiations and contract management with a strong anticipation of supply chain dynamics (stock, planning, risk)
• Ensure procurement decisions align with business needs, compliance, and risk frameworks

3. Purchasing & Vendor Management

• Oversee the purchasing process from requisition to delivery
• Manage supplier performance, mitigate risks, and drive continuous improvement
• Ensure seamless integration with procurement systems and tools

4. Stakeholder Management & Governance

• Act as a trusted partner to internal stakeholders across multiple functions
• Establish and maintain procurement governance, reporting, and best practices
• Lead supplier relationship management and business continuity planning
• Support internal capability building through training and knowledge sharing

5. Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Procurement professionals
• Align team objectives with broader company strategy
• Foster a high-performance, collaborative, and accountable culture

If our client could dream, you present

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience
• Proven track record in procurement and supply chain management across multiple lifecycle stages, international supplier network, ...
• Minimum 7+ years of experience in pharmaceutical or biotech procurement
• Strong experience in negotiations within complex and competitive environments, and ability of contract closing
• Demonstrated leadership experience (teams, projects, or transformation initiatives)
• Fluent in English ; Dutch and/or French are a plus

Curious? Do you have questions or would you like more information? Feel free to contact Katrien Lefevere – Managing Consultant on her mobile at +32 473 512 891 or send your detailed CV to klefevere@embark.be

Please note only candidates that meet all the highlighted requirements will be taken in consideration.