Category Manager

AGC Biologics•Bothell, WA

1d•$108,080 - $148,610•Onsite

About The Position

The Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing category strategies while managing approximately $50 million in annual spend. This role leads strategic sourcing initiatives, commercial negotiations, supplier performance management, and cross-functional stakeholder partnerships to deliver business value. The Category Manager drives cost optimization, mitigates supply and operational risks, fosters supplier innovation, and ensures the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective solutions that support organizational objectives and operational excellence.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Technical, or related field.
Minimum of 8 years of procurement, sourcing, category management, or supply chain experience within a mid-to-large multinational organization.
Experience within regulated industries; life sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or medical device experience preferred.
Proven track record of delivering continuous improvement and measurable annual business results.
Strong knowledge of procurement principles, global supply chain processes, and sourcing best practices.
Understanding of domestic and international trade and regulatory requirements.
Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and drive results through effective collaboration.
Ability to communicate effectively with employees, leadership, suppliers, and external partners.
Strong leadership, project management, and organizational skills.
Business acumen with strong communication, change management, and customer service capabilities.
Experience developing category strategies and leading strategic sourcing initiatives.
Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills across global markets.
Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex environment.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) or equivalent certification.
Experience with ERP/MRP systems; Microsoft Dynamics 365 preferred.
Familiarity with regulatory expectations affecting suppliers, including FDA, EMA, and applicable GxP requirements.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute short-term and long-term category strategies for assigned spend categories, mainly indirect with selected direct categories.
Develop and improve category strategies and business processes to continuously improve cost, quality, service, and supply continuity.
Conduct supplier segmentation (Critical, Strategic, Preferred, Approved, Operational) and maintain approved supplier and product/service lists.
Maintain expertise in assigned categories, including supply market trends, commodity dynamics, supplier economics, regulatory developments, and sourcing best practices.
Maintain category metrics, reporting, process documentation, and supplier records.
Lead supplier identification, evaluation, selection, qualification, and contract negotiations.
Lead key sourcing activities, including opportunity assessment, market analysis, strategy development, supplier negotiations, award recommendations, and contract execution.
Manage strategic sourcing initiatives considering total cost of ownership, lead times, supply continuity, and business risk.
Negotiate and administer contracts with global suppliers.
Develop and manage strategic supplier relationships to ensure reliable supply, cost effectiveness, and compliance with quality, service, and performance expectations.
Develop supplier performance metrics, reporting, and scorecards to proactively monitor supplier performance.
Lead productivity improvement initiatives with suppliers and internal stakeholders to optimize cost, improve operational efficiency, increase yields, and improve working capital.
Develop and execute supplier contingency plans to ensure continuity of supply and mitigate supplier risks.
Provide category management and sourcing expertise to business stakeholders.
Partner with stakeholders to develop sourcing strategies that support business objectives.
Influence sourcing decisions using market intelligence, supplier capabilities, and commercial recommendations.
Develop and implement processes that communicate, monitor, and ensure compliance with sourcing strategies and procurement business processes.
Support procurement policies, preferred supplier programs, and sourcing governance initiatives.
Promote adoption of procurement best practices and standardized sourcing methodologies.
Monitor supplier markets and pricing trends.
Identify commercial risks and sourcing opportunities.
Evaluate supplier capabilities and industry developments.
Recommend proactive sourcing strategies.