Category Lead
About The Position
As a key member of the Category team, the Category Lead is responsible for developing and executing global category strategies that ensure a competitive, resilient, and high-performing supply base aligned with Laborie's business objectives. This role owns the strategic management of assigned categories, including supplier portfolio optimization, sourcing strategy, commercial negotiations, contract management, supplier innovation, risk mitigation, and total cost of ownership. As a strategic business partner, the Category Lead collaborates closely with Operations, Engineering, R&D, Quality, Finance, Regulatory, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain leadership to align sourcing decisions with business priorities, accelerate innovation, improve supply continuity, and deliver sustainable value across the enterprise.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, Finance, or related field.
- Minimum 8-10 years of progressive experience in Strategic Sourcing, Category Management, Procurement, Supply Chain, or Manufacturing environments.
- Demonstrated success developing and implementing category strategies in complex global organizations.
- Proven experience leading strategic sourcing initiatives and complex supplier negotiations.
- Extensive experience managing supplier relationships, supplier performance programs, and contract negotiations.
- Strong understanding of category management, strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, and procurement best practices.
Nice To Haves
- MBA or Master's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Finance, or related discipline.
- CPSM, CSCP, CPIM, CPM, or equivalent professional certification.
- Experience within medical device, life sciences, healthcare, pharmaceutical, or other regulated manufacturing industries.
- Knowledge of ISO 13485, FDA, or other regulated industry requirements.
- Global sourcing and supplier management experience.
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
- Experience leading supplier innovation, sustainability, ESG, or responsible sourcing initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute global multi-year category strategies aligned with business growth, operational requirements, and corporate procurement objectives.
- Conduct market intelligence, supplier assessments, benchmarking, and spend analysis to identify sourcing opportunities, emerging risks, and industry trends.
- Build and maintain category roadmaps focused on cost optimization, supplier innovation, business continuity, sustainability, and risk mitigation.
- Lead strategic sourcing initiatives including supplier identification, market assessments, RFI, RFQ, and RFP development, supplier evaluation, and selection processes.
- Establish and manage strategic supplier relationships to improve performance, quality, innovation, responsiveness, and total value.
- Lead Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) activities, including Quarterly Business Reviews and Executive Business Reviews.
- Lead complex commercial negotiations involving pricing, contractual terms, intellectual property protection, service levels, and long-term strategic agreements.
- Develop negotiation strategies and negotiation plans aligned with organizational objectives.
- Deliver annual cost savings, cost avoidance, working capital improvements, and productivity initiatives.
Benefits
- Paid time off and paid volunteer time
- Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Account
- Health Savings Account with Company Funded Contributions
- 401k Retirement Plan with Company Match
- Parental Leave and Adoption Services
- Health and Wellness Programs and Events
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
