Associate Director - IBU Strategic Sourcing

Eli Lilly Ireland, Cork Updated 24 September 2026
PharmaQuality Assuranceheoremacro

Job description

At Lilly, the work is demanding because patients are waiting. We unite caring with discovery to help make life better for people around the world, knowing that every decision, every detail, and every day matters. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, our over 50,000 employees around the globe take on complex challenges to discover and deliver life-changing medicines, strengthen how health is understood and managed, and support the communities we serve. This is hard, urgent, selfless work—but it’s work worth doing. If you’re driven by purpose and ready to bring your best to work that truly matters for patients, we invite you to join us. Position Summary The successful candidate will own strategic sourcing for Real World Evidence (RWE) and prioritized IT categories (Software-as-a-Service and IT Services) across IBU and Global Fleet categories, based in Cork, Ireland, but operating with the responsiveness, context, and relationship depth of an on-the-ground local procurement resource. Key Responsibilities: Real World Evidence / IT & Digital Services & Fleet Management Lead strategic sourcing activities across a broad and evolving portfolio of business needs, translating enterprise priorities and stakeholder requirements into practical sourcing plans that deliver measurable value. Ensure strategies reflect local market context, business timelines, supplier capability, and the broader procurement operating model. Develop and execute sourcing strategies that balance commercial value, quality, speed, compliance, risk management, and long-term business outcomes. Apply structured sourcing approaches, market insight, and sound judgement to support decisions that are both commercially competitive and operationally sustainable. Partner with internal stakeholders to understand demand, clarify requirements, shape sourcing options, and guide procurement decisions from early planning through execution. Build trusted relationships across functions and geographies, acting as a credible advisor who can challenge constructively, influence outcomes, and support effective governance. Manage supplier relationships and market insights to maintain a strong understanding of supplier performance, market dynamics, pricing trends, and emerging opportunities. Use this insight to support supplier selection, consolidation, innovation, improved service delivery, and broader value creation across the business. Lead sourcing events and negotiations including supplier engagement, proposal evaluation, commercial analysis, contract support, and the delivery of competitive outcomes. Ensure sourcing activity is well planned, transparent, compliant with procurement standards, and clearly documented to support decision-making and stakeholder confidence. Provide responsive procurement support to business partners and affiliates, balancing local needs with enterprise sourcing standards, policy requirements, and available procurement channels. Help stakeholders navigate processes, resolve issues, manage escalations, and achieve timely outcomes without compromising governance or value. Identify process improvement opportunities that strengthen ways of working, improve stakeholder experience, and support scalable procurement delivery. Proactively highlight recurring demand patterns, process gaps, supplier challenges, or governance issues, and work with colleagues to implement practical improvements that increase efficiency and consistency. Basic Qualifications Bachelor’s degree Min 5 years of Procurement Experience - Procurement / Category management experience. Able to communicate effectively, develop strong relationships and lead at all levels cross-functionally, both internally and externally Proven ability to influence business decisions with senior management Commercially aware with a proactive, energetic, can-do attitude Ability to lead multiple projects and internal customer groups. Previous experience in managing third-party relationships. Excellent communication and negotiation abilities Comfortable working in international, cross-functional teams Proficiency in procurement software and tools. Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form ( https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation ) for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response. Lilly does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is €72,300 - €113,960 Full-time equivalent employees may also be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a pension plan; vacation benefits; eligibility for healthcare benefits; flexible benefits (if applicable) life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities). Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly’s compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees. #WeAreLillyUKandIreland

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