Global Procurement Specialist (m/f/d) - IT & Professional Services

We are a specialty vaccine company that develops, manufactures, and commercializes prophylactic vaccines for infectious diseases addressing unmet medical needs. We take a highly specialized and targeted approach, applying our deep expertise across multiple vaccine modalities, focused on providing either first-, best- or only-in-class vaccine solutions.

Responsibilities

The Global Procurement Category Specialist – Consultancy, HR, Marketing, Finance & Audit, Legal will establish and lead the global category strategy for various professional services. This greenfield position aims to shape procurement practices, ensuring value, compliance, and innovation at Valneva. You will align with internal stakeholders for strategic goals and supplier performance. The role focuses on managing significant spend, ensuring process compliance, and embedding best practices. Responsibilities include consolidating the supplier base, managing SLAs and SOWs, and driving cost reduction and value initiatives.

• Category Strategy: Develop and execute a global professional services category strategy, bringing spend under management and aligning initiatives with business priorities.
• Governance & Compliance: Ensure adherence to procurement policies, processes, and controls while strengthening governance, transparency, and audit readiness.
• Supplier Management: Rationalize and consolidate the supplier base to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and maximize value across all professional service categories.
• Sourcing & Contracting: Lead RFPs, supplier evaluations, negotiations, and contract management, including oversight of Statements of Work (SOWs) to ensure quality and compliance.
• Cost & Value Optimization: Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities and TCO improvements without compromising service quality or business continuity.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with senior stakeholders across HR, Legal, Finance, Marketing, and Compliance to understand business needs and align sourcing strategies.
• Performance & Continuous Improvement: Manage supplier performance against SLAs and KPIs, driving continuous improvement and innovation.
• Process Excellence: Implement best practices, tools, and templates to enhance consistency, efficiency, and scalability across procurement operations.
• Sustainability & ESG: Integrate ESG and responsible sourcing principles into category strategies, supporting sustainability, supplier diversity, and ethical business practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Law, Finance, or a related field; a Master’s degree or professional certification (CIPS, CPA, SHRM) is an advantage
• Min. 7 years’ experience in procurement, with a strong focus on professional services in a global or regional capacity
• Proven track record in supplier consolidation, SLA/SOW management, and driving procurement compliance
• Strong commercial acumen, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities
• Experience in a greenfield or procurement transformation environment is highly desirable
• Fluent in English; additional languages are an asset
• Experience within the pharmaceutical, biotech, or life sciences sector is preferred

Benefits

Working with Valneva means being part of a global biotech company with a clear vision to make a meaningful impact in the world. At Valneva, you can expect a dynamic and innovative work environment characterized by an open, appreciative company culture and exciting, impactful assignments. Enjoy the benefits of flat hierarchies, an international atmosphere, and regular company events that foster collaboration and connection.

Additionally, we offer:

• Work Life Balance: Flexitime & Compensation days
• Financial perks: Performance-related bonus & Lunch vouchers
• Lifelong learning: Unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning & German/English courses for free
• Health & Wellbeing: Free access to sports and fitness activities via myClubs & Office Massages

Join us and shape the future of biotechnology!

Due to legal reasons we are obliged to disclose the minimum salary for this position, which is € 52.000 gross per year based on full-time employment. However our salaries are market oriented and in line with your qualifications and experience.