Does it excite you to build a digital-first procurement function and shape strategic CMO partnerships? and do you have experience with category management, supplier relationship management, and system rollouts? If this sounds like you, and you are ready to take on a broad area of responsibilities, then you could be our new colleague.
Your new position
As Associate Director, Procurement, you will help establish and mature Zealand Pharma’s newly formed procurement function. The role centers on the CMO category while also advancing indirect procurement and preparing for the Coupa rollout in 2026. Reporting to the Head of Procurement, the position blends strategy and hands-on execution to deliver scalable processes, strong supplier partnerships, and risk resilience in a growing biotech environment.
We Offer Exciting Responsibilities
- Category management and strategic supplier relationship management for CMOs, including negotiations and risk management to secure scalable and stable supply chains.
- Partner with internal stakeholders to define CMO requirements; drive vendor selection, due diligence, contracting, and performance management aligned with business needs.
- Contribute to implementing the procurement backbone and core processes; plan and support the rollout and adoption of Coupa in 2026 to enhance efficiency and integration.
- Support key indirect categories through sourcing strategies, contract management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Establish frameworks, policies, and tools for a digital, AI-enabled procurement organization; embed governance, compliance, and data-driven decision-making.
- Monitor market dynamics and supplier risks; develop mitigation and business continuity plans for critical categories.
Your profile
As a person you are structured, collaborative, and strategic that thrives in building up and is motivated by creating robust procurement capabilities. You demonstrate strong stakeholder engagement, clear communication, and the ability to balance long-term category strategies with day-to-day execution in a dynamic environment.
- Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
- Proven procurement experience with CMOs in pharma/biotech and exposure to indirect categories.
- Expertise in supplier relationship management, negotiations, category management, and risk management.
- Experience with procurement systems (e.g., Coupa) and system rollouts/process development is a plus.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to influence and collaborate across functions; professional proficiency in English.
Your new team
You will join Zealand Pharma’s Procurement function, reporting to the Head of Procurement and collaborating closely with stakeholders across CMC, Supply Chain, QA, Finance, and Legal. The team is focused on building scalable processes, strengthening supplier partnerships, and enabling a digital-first, data-driven way of working.
Let's bond and be bold
We have a unique culture, characterized by excellent teamwork and strong engagement across the organization. And we want you to help us strengthen this culture.
Making bonds is at the core of everything we do. From discovering and developing the best new peptide drugs for patients, to engaging with our partners or connecting with each other. We bond through curiosity and playfulness as a team, allowing ourselves to challenge common thinking and drive future innovation. Join us and let's bond and be bold.
Interested in bonding with us?
Then please apply no later than January 11, 2026, or as soon as possible. The applications will be reviewed as they come in. While a cover letter is not required, please include a few sentences in your CV explaining your motivation for applying.
For further information, please contact Head of Procurement, David Jürs Vinther djvinther@zealandpharma.com.
We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and welcome applications from all job applicants.
About Zealand Pharma A/S
Zealand Pharma A/S (Nasdaq: ZEAL) is a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of peptide-based medicines. More than 10 drug candidates invented by Zealand Pharma have advanced into clinical development, of which two have reached the market and three candidates are in late-stage development. The company has development partnerships with a number of pharma companies as well as commercial partnerships for its marketed products. Zealand Pharma was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, with a team in the U.S. For more information about Zealand Pharma's business and activities, please visit www.zealandpharma.com.
