Category Manager, Advanced Solutions

Merck•Saint Louis, MO

16h•Onsite

About The Position

As our Category Manager, you will play a pivotal role in developing and executing category strategies that align with the organization’s overall business objectives. This position is responsible for translating complex business requirements into actionable category plans, ensuring that category performance is optimized through strategic planning, market analysis, and stakeholder collaboration. The Category Manager will ensure that the sourcing organization is well-prepared for future growth and innovation. The Category Manager will collaborate with the business/franchises and cross-functional teams to drive category performance, optimize supplier relationships, and enhance overall organizational efficiency. The Category Manager will work closely with Marketing, Sales and R&D teams to drive innovation, enhance product offerings, and improve customer satisfaction within the designated categories. The Category Manager will play a critical role in shaping the organization’s product portfolio and driving competitive advantage by ensuring that category strategies are aligned with business growth and innovation goals. By focusing on category performance and innovation, this position will directly contribute to the company’s growth and success in the Life Sciences market.

Requirements

BA/BS and minimum 8 years’ experience in Sourcing and Category Management (preference >10 years).
Work experience preferably in a large multi-national organization in the Life Science or Medical Device industry, in a global, matrix organization leading strategic sourcing/category management.
Experience performing in a fast-paced, goal oriented and time-sensitive environment.
Deep knowledge of manufacturing processes in the respective category preferred with understanding of cGMP manufacturing practices and/or pharma regulatory a plus.
Requires broad expertise in own specialized discipline combined with in-depth market and competitors knowledge as well as industry developments to identify business opportunities.
Ability to lead and influence change in the face of complexity, resistance and ambiguity.
Influences decisions in different cultures.
Demonstrated business acumen and relationship building skills with senior counterparts internally or externally.
Capable of influencing and motivating others with new ideas and concepts, proficient at thinking and acting strategically, championing change and generating innovative solutions.
Master analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills.
Flexibility and innovative mindset.
Team player with excellent oral and written communication and intercultural collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies aligned with the company’s vision and long-term objectives.
Lead category management initiatives to create value and strengthen competitive advantage.
Promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the category team.
Lead or participate in global activities and cross-functional initiatives to support Sourcing LS strategy.
Develop and execute global category strategies across the organization.
Ensure effective communication within the Global Strategic Sourcing network and Global Sourcing Operations team.
Set clear objectives and KPIs for category performance and monitor progress.
Establish mid- and long-term goals to deliver on commitments and business strategy.
Contribute to overall objectives and cross-functional initiatives.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders (marketing, sales, R&D, operations) to gather insights and align strategies with business needs.
Lead and maintain strong relationships across functions to ensure effective communication and engagement throughout the category lifecycle.
Serve as the primary contact for category-related inquiries and initiatives.
Engage external partners and suppliers to align with category objectives and business goals.
Report on key results and activities regularly.
Conduct thorough market analysis to identify trends, challenges, opportunities, and competitive landscape.
Develop and maintain category plans covering positioning, pricing, and promotions.
Regularly evaluate category performance and implement strategies to improve market share, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
Monitor performance and implement corrective actions to meet strategic objectives.
Gather supplier market insights to anticipate events and generate competitive advantage.
Participate in strategic negotiations and meetings with key suppliers.
Identify and implement best practices to improve category management efficiency.
Collaborate with teams to streamline processes in product development, marketing, and sales.
Monitor industry trends and customer feedback to refine category strategies and offerings.