Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.

Are you ready for your next challenge?

The Global Category Manager is responsible understand total spend, pricing structure, commercial terms and trends for raw materials, semi-finished goods and purchased finished goods. Leverage market knowledge, specifically on cost and supply/demand drivers to improve ability to source materials to drive positive position Smith and Nephew's versus industry.

Job level (for internal use only): ​P4

What will you be doing?

Collaborate with Smith + Nephew's Global Procurement and Operations to establish a global material strategy.

Work collaboratively with business leaders, suppliers, and customers to develop innovative sourcing arrangements to reduce costs and risks; negotiate complex contracts to procure these strategic materials.

Develop an understanding of Smith + Nephew's product lines, market strategy, competition, and technology to establish the link between raw material and product pricing.

Lead cross-functional business activities that identify, qualify, negotiate, and successfully implement new suppliers.

Understand manufacturing processes to ensure supply deflation and business profitability.

Cross-functional relationships with key internal stakeholders in Quality Compliance, engineering, Supplier Quality, and Regulatory.

Lead the sourcing for New Products through object analysis.

Utilize Six Sigma and Lean tools to drive continuous improvement in the sourcing processes and to drive supplier productivity and development.

Knows and adheres to the quality policy of the company and the quality-related procedures and instructions.

Reports any deviation in product or process, of which he/she becomes aware, to his/her manager or the Quality department.

Completes all necessary training in the area of Quality and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice).

Has worked in an Agile and preferably a regulated industry such as medical device development.

Continuously monitors industry for best practices and drives a culture of engineering excellence.

Immediately reports any dissatisfaction or complaint which is brought to their attention from a customer or patient regarding a Smith & Nephew product (e.g. in terms of quality, durability, reliability, safety or performance) to the complaints department.

Complies with all health, safety and environmental policies, procedures and job hazard analyses applicable to specified job activities; including medical evaluations as required by job function.

Completes all required HSE training.

What will you need to be successful?

Education:

BS/MS in Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Economics, Finance, Statistics, or a relevant field of work, or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience.

Strong computer skills including use of SAP, Ariba and Microsoft Office suite.

Experience:

The ideal candidate will be a proven, successful, internationally experienced professional who has had strategic procurement responsibility for a minimum of 5 years in progressive roles.

Should have a strong knowledge of direct material categories (i.e. machining, packaging, forging and casting) and associated commodity inputs (i.e. titanium, stainless steel, cobalt chrome, plastic, textiles, and chemicals).

Proven and demonstrated successful experience and ability to think strategically about procurement in the context of overall business strategy.

Strong ability to assess the market dynamics of key raw material and component related industries and adapt the procurement strategy to industry trends and other key external factors.

Proven track record for innovative approaches resulting in “game-changing” opportunities, which placed the business in a competitively advantaged position in the market.

​Competences

Fluency in English. Proficiency in other language(s) desired.

Strong analytical skills, including cost analysis, financial skills, project management skills and contracts.  Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.       

Travel up to 25% may be required.

You. Unlimited

We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve.

Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity- Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating, and Thriving on Diversity, Learn more about Employee Inclusion Groups on our website.

Other reasons why you will love it here!

Your future: stock purchase program, referral bonus, subsidy in transport and food, recognition program.

Work/Life Balance: Extra days off, birthday off, voluntary hours.

Your Wellbeing: company doctor, medical insurance, gym, health campaigns, employee assistance program, parental leave.

Flexibility: Hybrid work model (for more professional roles), flexible schedules.

Training: Training program, unlimited learning.

Extra perks: employee association, and more…

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