Winning a Top Procurement Head for Hovione
Stabilize Procurement, raise standards to world-class, and secure the leader who can build capabilities across Direct, Indirect, and CapEx — fast and with certainty.
Company & Team Background (Hovione)
International CDMO with operations across Portugal (Lisbon/Lumiar), Ireland (Cork), Macau, and the US. Procurement reports into Procurement, Supply Chain & Digital at VP level and spans Direct, Indirect, CapEx, and Compliance & Governance (ESG/Digital) across ~47 FTEs (majority in Portugal).
Challenge in Procurement now
Historically transactional and finance-anchored; transformation is underway but leadership was unstable (4 Heads in 6 years). Previous searches failed on relocation, alignment, and long-term fit.
VP bandwidth is diluted; team capability building and strategic sourcing (esp. chemicals) need a steady hand to reach top-class standards.
Why a Procurement Manager is necessary now
Stabilize leadership, embed category excellence, drive raw-materials cost competitiveness, and coordinate globally across Direct, Indirect, and CapEx.
What happens if the role remains unfilled
Cost leakage, missed sourcing opportunities, slow capability building, and sustained operational burden on the VP that blocks digital/strategic progress.
Overall Goal
Attract a Head of Procurement who can lead transformation, develop the team, and align procurement with Hovione’s growth & ESG priorities — target decision by end of November.
You don’t know what you don’t know: Hovione needs immediate access to best practice, world-class tactics, and negotiation standards in global procurement.
Create & communicate the vision: define what top-class procurement at Hovione looks like — and what it enables across cost, speed, resilience, and compliance.
Ideal Candidate
Capabilities: Strategic leadership across Direct, Indirect, CapEx; supplier strategy; cost engineering; contract governance; hands-on delivery in regulated environments (CDMO/Pharma/Chemicals).
Mission alignment: Long-term commitment to Portugal; leads multicultural teams across EU and Asia.
Background: 10–15 years progressive procurement, Head of Procurement / Category Director level, strong change & people development.
Contract & Logistics
Location: Lisbon area (Lumiar HQ). Relocation: required or consistent onsite presence (3+ days/week). Compensation benchmark: Base €155–190k; 25% annual bonus; 20% LT cash (3-year cycle); company car; relocation support; onboarding bonus; housing assistance (first 6 months).
Why other solutions failed before
Relocation not confirmed early • Salary/seniority misaligned • Overused partner network with exhausted talent pool • Incomplete briefing → inconsistent profiles.
Why Rados Recruiting can help
Deep specialization across CDMOs, Pharma and Biotech — e.g. BioNTech, DSM/Klosterfrau Group, Baxter/Takeda, Biogen. Founder-led precision briefing, EU-wide reach, and relocation expertise deliver speed with certainty. Delivery: shortlist in 3–5 weeks (Full Dedication: 2 weeks with ≥5 pre-qualified candidates).
Florian Haas – Head of Procurement, BioNTech
“Christian has both parties’ interests in mind and cares for both his clients and the talents he engages. This is smart and shows how much he values personal relationships. I worked with Christian multiple times and I’m happy he introduced me to some of my favorite colleagues today.”
Christoph Klaus – ex COO, Klosterfrau Group; CTO, Klosterfrau Healthcare Group
“If you’re looking for a boutique headhunter, I’d 100% recommend Christian Rados. I’ve been working with Christian for a couple of years and so far he has identified more than ten experts and leaders for me. I was happy to recruit them and they’re doing an excellent job for my company and me.”
FAQ
How long until a shortlist?
3–5 weeks from kickoff. With Full Dedication, 2 weeks and ≥5 pre-qualified, relocation-ready candidates within the salary band.
How many candidates will you present?
Typically 8–12 (or 5+ under Full Dedication), all personally interviewed and screened for relocation feasibility.
How do you ensure relocation commitment?
We confirm partner/family willingness, immigration practicality, and on-site cadence before introduction.
What guarantees do you offer?
Up to 12-month replacement or money-back guarantee depending on pricing model.
Pricing Options
Variable & Fixed pricing available — aligned to guarantees and level of involvement.
Premium Model: 33%, 2 installments, 100% Guarantee (Money Back or Replacement for 12 months after start).
Full Dedication: shortlist in 2 weeks with ≥5 pre-qualified & interested candidates — relocation-ready, within salary bandwidth, highly capable.
Next Steps
1) Call with HR – align on approval and contract setup
2) Confirm Agreement – sign engagement letter and timeline
3) Kick-Off – confirm search details, salary range, interview sequence
4) Shortlist – within 3–5 weeks (or 2 weeks under Full Dedication)
5) Final decision – target end of November