The
R&D Procurement Lead supports the execution of sourcing strategies for Qnity's R&D external spend, including lab supplies, equipment & instrumentation, lab services, testing, and contracted research. The role manages supplier relationships, leads sourcing events, and collaborates with stakeholders to ensure value, service, and compliance.
This role partners closely with R&D, Engineering, Operations, Finance, Legal, and site leadership to ensure sourcing strategies support innovation velocity, technical rigor, regulatory compliance, and cost competitiveness as Qnity scales as an independent company.
Key ResponsibilitiesCategory Strategy & Value Creation- Develop, maintain, and execute global R&D category strategies aligned with Qnity's business priorities, growth plans, and procurement transformation roadmap.
- Apply advanced category management levers (demand management, specification alignment, supplier consolidation, should-cost/TCO analysis) to deliver measurable cost savings, cost avoidance, and productivity gains.
- Translate R&D needs (speed, flexibility, innovation, quality) into fit-for-purpose sourcing and contracting strategies that balance agility with governance.
Strategic Sourcing & Contracting- Lead global and regional RFPs/RFIs for R&D categories, embedding cross-site and SME input early to ensure adoption and reduce rework.
- Negotiate and manage master service agreements (MSAs), framework agreements, and pricing structures for R&D suppliers, ensuring strong commercial, legal, and risk positions.
- Drive standardization of terms, pricing models, SLAs, and performance metrics across regions and sites.
Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)- Own strategic supplier relationships for R&D categories, including performance management, QBRs, issue resolution, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Partner with key suppliers to unlock innovation, technical capability, service improvements, and supply assurance, not just unit-price reductions.
- Ensure supplier strategies support Qnity's global footprint of R&D facilities and evolving technology needs.
Business & Stakeholder Partnership- Act as a trusted procurement partner to R&D leaders, scientists, engineers, and site teams by embedding procurement early in planning and project discussions.
- Gather and incorporate voice-of-the-customer input into category strategies, sourcing decisions, and contract negotiations.
- Lead and mentor regional buyers, sub-category managers, and efficiency buyers supporting R&D spend.
Governance, Compliance & Execution- Ensure sourcing and contracting activities comply with Qnity procurement policies, legal requirements, and internal controls.
- Oversee contract implementation, supplier onboarding, and performance tracking to minimize leakage and ensure value realization.
- Drive root-cause analysis and corrective actions for supplier, contract, or operational issues impacting R&D delivery
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities- Strong understanding of R&D procurement dynamics, including technical requirements, service-based sourcing, and innovation-driven supplier markets.
- Demonstrated ability to perform complex analyses (e.g., TCO, should-cost, NPV, value-based trade-offs) and translate insights into clear recommendations.
- Proven negotiation, influence, and stakeholder-management skills across technical and non-technical audiences.
- Ability to manage multiple global initiatives in a fast-moving, transformation environment.
- Strong ethical standards and commitment to compliance and governance.
Education & Experience - Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Sciences, Supply Chain, Business, or related field. Advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum of 4 years of procurement and supply chain experience.
- Exposure to R&D, laboratory, or technically complex service categories is a strong plus.
- Prior experience negotiating global or multi-site agreements with strong understanding of commercial and legal terms.
- Advanced Excel skills; strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office and SharePoint.
- CPSM or equivalent professional certification preferred.
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Qnity offers a comprehensive pay and benefits package. To learn more visit the Compensation and Benefits page.
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