Lead Procurement specialist - Capex
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Operations
Greenville, NC, USA
Work Schedule
Standard (Mon-Fri)Environmental Conditions
OfficeJob Description
The Lead Procurement Specialist – Capex is responsible for managing a portfolio of Capital Expenditure procurement projects across ThermoFisher Scientific CDMO sites, with an annual spend of approximately $250M. Operating as an individual contributor in a fast-paced, matrixed multinational environment, this role partners closely with Engineering, Operations, Finance, and Project Management teams to drive procurement activities from User Requirement Specification (URS) through to project delivery and commissioning.
This role requires a seasoned procurement professional capable of engaging at senior levels of the organization, combining rigorous project management skills with strategic category expertise to deliver projects on time, within budget, and in full compliance with regulatory and quality standards.
This role requires up to 50% domestic and international travel across various Thermo Fisher sites and Key suppliers’ locations.
Scale of Responsibilities
Portfolio Management: Manage a Capex procurement portfolio of approximately $250M spanning Design & Construction projects and specialized CDMO equipment procurement across multiple ThermoFisher sites
Savings Delivery: Identify, quantify, and deliver bridgeable savings and cost avoidance opportunities across the assigned project portfolio, ensuring full savings tracking and reporting to Capex procurement leadership
Category Ownership: Manage an assigned Capex sub-category of spend, developing and implementing sourcing strategies to optimize the supply base, mitigate risk, and leverage spend across groups, divisions, and regions
Supplier Governance: Drive supplier performance management through regular Business Reviews with key strategic suppliers, and establish regional or global Master Service Agreements (MSAs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
Reporting: Provide regular reporting on project advancement status, savings pipelines & realization status, and category performance to key stakeholders and Capex procurement leadership
Technical Responsibilities
Lead the full procurement lifecycle for Capex projects from URS definition and supplier pre-qualification through RFx, negotiation, contract award, delivery, and commissioning
Apply a structured Category Management approach to conduct spend analysis, identify sourcing opportunities, and develop multi-year sourcing strategies for the assigned Capex sub-category
Analyze market intelligence to assess cost drivers, supplier landscape, and technology trends, translating insights into actionable category plans
Develop and negotiate regional and global contracts (MSAs, SLAs, framework agreements) aligned with category strategy and ThermoFisher's procurement governance framework
Identify, qualify, and onboard suppliers capable of meeting CDMO-specific technical, quality, and regulatory requirements
Conduct supplier performance reviews (KPIs, scorecards, continuous improvement plans) and drive corrective actions where required
Perform spend analysis and supply base rationalization to consolidate the supplier panel and maximize leverage across groups, divisions and regions
Contribute to risk management activities: supply continuity planning, supplier financial health monitoring, geopolitical risk assessment
Leadership Responsibilities
Act as the primary Capex procurement interface for Engineering, Operations, Finance, and Project Management teams, ensuring full alignment between procurement strategy and project requirements
Engage and influence senior stakeholders across the organization to drive procurement best practices and category strategy adoption
Coordinate cross-functional teams throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring timely decision-making and escalation management
Share best practices and market intelligence with the broader Global Capex Procurement community
Education, Experience and Abilities
MBA or Master's degree in Procurement, Engineering, Business, or a related field strongly preferred; Bachelor's degree required
Minimum 10 years of experience in Capex projects procurement, and/or category management in mid-to-large multinational companies
Proven track record in managing complex Capex projects, including Design & Construction and specialized manufacturing and/or equipment procurement
Experience in the pharmaceutical, life sciences, CDMO industries strongly preferred
Knowledge of construction management principles and project lifecycle management is a significant plus
Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, global, and highly matrixed environment
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence at senior levels of the organization
Experience working in highly regulated industries
Solid negotiation skills with demonstrated experience in global contract management (MSAs, SLAs, framework agreements)
Strong analytical capabilities: spend analysis, cost modeling, market benchmarking
CPSM or equivalent is preferred
Fluent in written and spoken English
Experience in a continuous improvement environment with a track record of achieving significant year-over-year results