Smith+Nephew
GlobalCategoryManager,Implants
Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Senior candidates.
“Global Category Manager, Implants at Smith+Nephew. Skills: supplier management, strategic sourcing, negotiation, cross-functional coordination. Oversee day-to-day supplier management activities. Lead sourcing decisions within assigned categories”
What You'll Achieve.
reduce cost; ensure supply continuity; cost deflation; profitability; reduce operational and supply-chain risk; meet financial targets; mitigate supplier risk; standard budget development; PPV savings performance; meet or exceeded manufacturing requirements; meet or exceeded business objectives; lowest total cost; competitive service levels
Industry & Context.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities; cost analysis; financial acumen; project management skills; solid understanding of contract structures and terms
Travel up to 25% may be required
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
5+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, supplier management, procurement, or supply-chain operations within a manufacturing or regulated medical device experience is a advantage, ERP(SAP)/MRP systems, procurement tools, MS Suite XLS/PPT/DOC, data/market analysis tools Spend Management (SIEVO), Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, cost analysis, financial acumen, project management skills, solid understanding of contract structures and terms, Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, Deep knowledge of direct material categories, forging, casting, machining, finishing, polishing, associated secondary operations, Strong understanding of commodity inputs, titanium, stainless steel, cobalt chrome, zirconium, Proven experience in supplier selection, qualification, negotiation, and performance management, onboarding new suppliers, managing complex or global supply categories, Working knowledge of manufacturing processes, ability to evaluate supplier capabilities
Nice to Have
advanced MS degree, Certifications (e. g. , CPM, CPSM, APICS, Six Sigma), Technology AI experience within in procurement systems
What You'll Do.
Oversee day-to-day supplier management activities
Lead sourcing decisions within assigned categories
Support the NPD process
Implement supplier and part strategies
Continuously monitor supplier performance
Provide expert supplier guidance
Analyze total spending
Analyze pricing structures
Analyze commercial terms
Analyze market trends
Set strategic direction for global component sourcing
Align with Category Manager for global raw material strategies
Partner with Global Procurement and Operations
Develop and execute global commodity strategies
Work collaboratively with business leaders
Create innovative sourcing arrangements
Negotiate complex contracts for strategic materials
Develop understanding of product lines
Develop understanding of market strategy
Develop understanding of competitive landscape
Develop understanding of technologies
Lead cross-functional initiatives
Identify new apply manufacturing process knowledge
Qualify new apply manufacturing process knowledge
Negotiate new apply manufacturing process knowledge
Onboard new apply manufacturing process knowledge
Build cross-functional relationships
Apply Six Sigma and Lean methodologies
Drive continuous improvement in sourcing processes
Drive continuous improvement in supplier productivity
Drive continuous improvement in supplier development
Manage complex projects
Manage supplier relationships
Implement programs that drive QCDD performance
Implement programs that reduce operational risk
Implement programs that reduce supply-chain risk
Respond promptly to internal SCN activity
Respond promptly to external SCN activity
Respond promptly to NCRs
Respond promptly to audit findings
Analyze cost structures
Analyze cost-planning data
Develop cost-reduction strategies
Execute cost-reduction strategies
Develop deep understanding of assigned commodities
Support supplier/part strategy execution
Ensure successful integration into new product launches
Research industry trends
Monitor industry trends
Operate with a sense of urgency
Operate with accountability
Follow up consistently
Ensure manufacturing requirements are met
Ensure business objectives are met
Negotiate high-value components
Negotiate critical materials
Proactively identify risks in onboarding suppliers
Proactively identify delays in onboarding suppliers
Communicate risks in onboarding suppliers
Communicate delays in onboarding suppliers
Influence internal stakeholders
Implement procurement strategies
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
Collaborate closely with ‘PEER’ Category Managers; Collaborate closely with product development teams; Collaborate closely with cross-functional partners across Global Operations; Partner with Global Procurement and Operations; Work collaboratively with business leaders; Work collaboratively with suppliers; Work collaboratively with customers; Build cross-functional relationships with key stakeholders in Manufacturing Operations; Build cross-functional relationships with key stakeholders in Quality Compliance; Build cross-functional relationships with key stakeholders in Engineering; Build cross-functional relationships with key stakeholders in Supplier Quality; Build cross-functional relationships with key stakeholders in Finance; Build cross-functional relationships with key stakeholders in Regulatory
Communication Scope
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills; ability to influence stakeholders at all organizational levels; build supplier partnerships
Process & Methodology
project management skills, Manage complex projects
Full Job Description
**Life Unlimited.** At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. **What will you be doing?** * **Oversee day‑to‑day supplier management activities** , ensuring consistent execution of sourcing strategies, compliance, and performance expectations. * **Lead sourcing decisions** within assigned categories, support the NPD process, implement supplier and part strategies, and continuously monitor supplier performance. * **Collaborate closely with ‘PEER’ Category Managers, product development teams, and cross‑functional partners** across Global Operations to align sourcing decisions with business needs. * **Provide expert supplier guidance** to ensure adherence to best practices, compliance requirements, pricing expectations, and delivery standards. * **Analyze total spending, pricing structures, commercial terms, and market trends** across raw materials, components, semi‑finished goods, and finished goods to inform sourcing strategies. * **Leverage deep market knowledge,** including cost drivers and supply/demand dynamics, to strengthen sourcing decisions and enhance Smith+Nephew’s competitive position. * **Set strategic direction for global component sourcing** , including castings and forgings for medical devices, and align with the Category Manager for global raw material strategies as needed. * **Partner with Global Procurement and Operations** to develop and execute global commodity strategies where applicable. * **Work collaboratively with business leaders, suppliers, and customers** to create innovative sourcing arrangements that reduce cost and risk; negotiate complex contracts for strategic materials. * **Develop a strong understanding of Smith +Nephew’s product lines, market strategy, competitive landscape, and technologies** to effectively link raw material costs to product pricing. * **Lead cross‑functional initiatives** to identify, qualify, negotiate, and successfully onboard new suppliers; apply manufacturing proce
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