Global Category Leader - Machining, Plastics, and Sutures

Smith+Nephew•Minneapolis, MN

1d•$119,500 - $207,250•Hybrid

About The Position

Life. Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. Are you a strategic procurement leader who thrives on global impact? As our Global Category Leader – Machining, Plastics, and Sutures, you will play a critical role in shaping global sourcing strategies that support innovative medical technologies used by patients around the world. This is a senior, highly visible role where you will influence cost, supply resilience, and supplier innovation across complex manufacturing categories, partnering closely with global operations, engineering, and business leaders.

Requirements

5 to 10 years of progressive experience in strategic procurement or category management, preferably within medical device manufacturing or a regulated environment
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, Economics, Finance, Statistics, or a related field, or equivalent experience
Strong knowledge of direct materials and commodity driven manufacturing categories
Demonstrated ability to think strategically and translate business strategy into sourcing outcomes
Proven experience leading global supplier negotiations and managing complex contracts
Strong analytical, financial, and project management skills with high learning agility
Experience leading and developing teams in a global, matrixed environment
Fluency in English, with additional languages preferred
Proficiency in SAP, Ariba, and Microsoft Office
Ability to influence, communicate effectively, and resolve conflicts across diverse stakeholder groups
Commitment to high standards of ethics, compliance, and health, safety, and environmental practices

Responsibilities

Develop and execute multiyear global category strategies aligned to business and product roadmaps
Lead global sourcing activities including RFx events, supplier negotiations, and contract management
Drive cost reduction, cash improvement, and supply resilience initiatives across machining, plastics, and sutures
Own supplier segmentation, consolidation, performance governance, and risk mitigation strategies
Apply should cost modeling, value engineering, and market intelligence to optimize sourcing decisions
Monitor global supply and demand dynamics, cost drivers, and capacity risks
Collaborate cross functionally with operations, engineering, R&D, and finance to support manufacturing and product strategies
Lead supplier development and innovation programs, including best cost country sourcing
Support new product introductions by guiding supplier selection, qualification, and material strategies
Lead, develop, and coach a global team of category managers and specialists
Represent the category in executive forums and global sourcing councils