What happens when you bring a sharp eye for process, a commercial mindset, and a strong belief in human connection into the CDMO world? You get Sanja Spasojevic’s approach. Coming from a background in supply and trading, Sanja joined Frontier Zdravlje with a clear goal: to challenge silos, build trust, and create long-term value for clients. In this interview, she shares how her team supports partners from first inquiry to final product, what misconceptions still surround outsourcing, and why persistence is at the heart of her leadership style.
1. With your extensive background in a different industry, what is the most valuable insight you’ve brought to Frontier Zdravlje’s pharmaceutical manufacturing?
“People buy from people.”
That’s the biggest lesson I brought with me from my experience in supply and trading. Relationships matter. Trust, loyalty, and the ability to rely on one another, especially when challenges arise, are what drive success. This is universal, no matter the industry.
Another key insight is the importance of understanding the full process. You can’t operate in a silo. From the initial RFQ and tech transfer through to regulatory steps and commercialization, you need to follow the product and the client from end to end. Even if you’re not an expert in every field, you need to be involved enough to unblock issues and keep things moving. This mindset of process ownership has shaped how I approach pharmaceutical manufacturing.
2. Since joining Frontier Zdravlje, what key initiatives have you implemented to expand the company’s CDMO partnerships?
Since joining, I’ve focused on building stronger, more collaborative relationships with our clients. We’ve ensured that our Business Development team is involved at every stage, from initial inquiry through to commercialization. Our goal is to offer personalized solutions that meet each client’s unique needs, with seamless coordination across all stages. By providing a consistent point of contact who fully understands their objectives, we’re able to adapt quickly and deliver high-touch service. This approach turns us from just a service provider into a true partner in their success.
3. What common misconceptions do companies have when outsourcing development or manufacturing?
Many believe outsourcing means losing control, but it’s really about finding a partner who’s as committed to your success as you are. The right CDMO works closely with your team, becoming an extension of your business. At Frontier Zdravlje, we focus on transparency, proactive communication, and flexibility, ensuring that clients are always in the loop. We approach every challenge with expertise and collaboration, knowing that trust is the foundation of strong partnerships. Our clients can count on us to be there for them at every step.
4. What factors influence clients when choosing a CDMO, and how does Frontier Zdravlje stand out in meeting their needs?
Price is always a factor, especially with generics becoming more commodity-like. But quality and customer experience are what truly set us apart. At Frontier Zdravlje, we offer EU-level quality standards at highly competitive prices, and we pair that with exceptional customer service. That balance of quality, cost, and service is what makes us stand out.
5. What strategies have we implemented to help clients navigate the challenges of pharmaceutical manufacturing?
Our teams now collaborate more closely. Business Development works hand in hand with MS&T and Quality, ensuring a seamless flow of information and faster decision-making. We maintain close communication with clients at every stage, so we can respond quickly, provide the right expertise, and keep their projects moving forward.
6. In one sentence, how would you define our vision for client success in 2025?
Proactive, efficient, and problem-solving.
In 2025, our vision for client success is to be a truly proactive partner, anticipating challenges before they arise, responding quickly and precisely, and solving problems together so clients can move forward with confidence.
7. What personal mindset or motto guides your leadership?
“Winners are not those who never fail but those who never quit.”
I believe in persistence and the math of success: if you try enough times, you will eventually succeed. It’s not about avoiding failure, it’s about continuing after failure. That resilience is the true mark of a winner.
