Senior Category Manager, Indirect (hybrid)

The Senior Indirect Category Manager is responsible for creating and managing advanced global sourcing strategies for assigned indirect categories, with a primary focus on HR benefits and services (over 80% of the role). This includes areas such as talent management, contingent worker services, payroll, employee benefits administration, HR technology solutions, Corporate Travel governance and fleet services. The role will also involve supporting product development procurement (R&D services, quality, regulatory, etc.) for less than 20% of the time.

In this role, you will collaborate closely with business, functional, and regional stakeholders, primarily the CHRO and their leadership team, to understand their needs and implement effective sourcing strategies. A key focus will be on defining and improving HR processes while driving savings and building a strong savings pipeline.

The Senior Category Manager will also oversee strategic supplier management with a strong focus on savings & value generation, including risk assessment, performance monitoring, relationship management, value delivery, and supplier development.

Accountability and Impact Overview

Strategic Management:

• Oversee the management of assigned categories by developing and maintaining multi-year sourcing strategies and project pipelines, aiming for a savings return of over 5% on total spend.
• Drive cross-functional progress on risk mitigation plans as needed.
• Ensure the effectiveness of the global category team.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Maintain strong relationships with stakeholders across business functions and influence budget decisions through strategic communication.
• Engage with C-suite executives (Mainly CHRO) and their Leadership team to align sourcing strategies with overall business objectives and present key insights, updates, and recommendations related to HR benefits & services procurement.

Financial Performance:

• Deliver results for the global category team and meet functional goals, enhancing the company’s financial position through cost savings and effective price management.

Supplier Relationship Management:

• Build and maintain long-term relationships with key suppliers, ensuring they are treated professionally and ethically.

Quality Assurance in Procurement:

• Support procurement activities for the New Product Development Process. Ensure sourcing strategies incorporate relevant aspects of the source-to-pay process.

Key Responsibilities:

• Global Sourcing Strategy Development: Create and implement sourcing strategies for HR benefits & services and its subcategories (among which Talent management and Contingent worker services, Payroll services, Employee benefits administration, HR technology solutions, Corporate Travel governance & fleet services) and other indirect categories ad-hoc that align with global and regional business needs, reflect market conditions, and prioritize savings generation.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with business units, functional teams, and regional procurement managers to understand their needs and implement effective sourcing strategies across various indirect categories, actively seeking savings opportunities.
• Savings & Value Generation: Drive category strategies that yield multi-year savings roadmaps, actively identifying opportunities for innovation and efficiency improvements. Establish and manage a savings pipeline to track and report on potential and realized savings.
• Negotiation & Contracting: Lead negotiations and contract management with suppliers, ensuring agreements meet global requirements, from small contracts to large-scale service agreements valued at several $M and above, while driving favorable financial outcomes.
• Supplier Selection Process: Lead global category teams through the supplier selection process, including RFX development, evaluation, and recommendations, ensuring stakeholder alignment and a focus on cost-effectiveness.
• Supplier Management: Oversee key supplier relationships, focusing on risk management, performance evaluation, and value delivery across multiple categories, with a specific aim to enhance cost savings.
• Risk Mitigation: Develop and maintain risk mitigation plans for suppliers, ensuring compliance with corporate policies and regulatory requirements.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Implement supplier relationship management initiatives for key suppliers, fostering strong, long-term partnerships across all indirect categories to drive mutual value.

Qualifications:

• Education: bachelor’s degree in a related field; MBA or equivalent preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years in category management and sourcing, with a strong focus on HR benefits & services, as well as experience in other indirect categories.
• Skills:
  • Expertise in strategic sourcing and supplier management.
  • Strong negotiation, cost management, and market analysis skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
  • Proven problem-solving skills and a results-oriented mindset.
  • Ability to influence stakeholders without direct authority.

• Certifications (Preferred): NAPM, APICS, Lean, or relevant contract management credentials.

embecta is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  We do not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, or any other protected status.