Global Category Manager: R&D Lab Consumables & Services (Discovery Research)

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OBJECTIVE: 

The Director of Global Category Management for R&D Lab Consumables and Lab Services is responsible for leading the strategic sourcing and procurement activities for all laboratory consumables and services required for research and development (R&D), Pharmaceutical Sciences and GMS (Global Manufacturing Services) across the Global organization.

This role involves developing and implementing global category strategies, managing supplier relationships, and driving cost-saving initiatives while ensuring the highest standards of quality and compliance.

The Director will collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D, procurement, quality assurance, and finance to align category strategies with business objectives.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Category Strategy Development:
  • Develop and implement comprehensive global category strategies for R&D lab consumables and lab services.
  • Conduct market analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and risks.
  • Align category strategies with overall business goals and R&D objectives.
  • Inclusion of ESG (Environmental & Social Governance) objectives in category strategies
• Supplier Relationship Management:
  • Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers for lab consumables and services.
  • Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure reliability, quality, and innovation.
  • Negotiate contracts, terms, and conditions with suppliers to achieve optimal pricing and service levels.
• Procurement and Sourcing
  • Lead global sourcing initiatives to drive cost savings and value creation.
  • Implement best practices in procurement processes, including RFIs, RFPs, and RFQs.
  • Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and quality standards.
• Financial Management:
  • Develop and manage the annual demand plan with the business for lab
  • consumables and services.
  • Track and report on cost savings and financial performance of the category.
  • Collaborate with finance teams to forecast and manage spend.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Work closely with R&D teams to understand their requirements and ensure timely and effective procurement of lab consumables and services.
  • Partner with quality assurance to ensure supplier compliance with quality standards.
  • Coordinate with R&D Lab Operations IMS (Inventory Management System) logistics and GMS supply chain teams to optimize inventory levels and distribution.
• Performance Management:
  • Monitor and evaluate supplier performance using key performance indicators (KPIs).
  • Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance category performance.
  • Address and resolve any issues related to supplier performance or product quality.
• Team Leadership:
  • Mentor and develop a global team of procurement professionals.
  •  Provide mentorship, guidance, and training to team members.
  •  Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence within the team.

Position is technical subject matter expert and carries significant management responsibility across diverse global project teams and there is an expectation that this position will be a credible leader with senior stakeholders (VP, SVP levels).

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS: 

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field.
• Preferred ISM (Institute of Supplier Management) Certifications:
  • CPSM® Certified Professional in Supply Management®
  • CPSD® Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity®
• Minimum of 13 years of experience in procurement, category management, or supply chain management, with a focus on lab consumables and services in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing global category strategies.
• Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management skills.
• Excellent analytical, financial, and strategic thinking abilities.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a global, cross-functional environment.
• Knowledge of industry regulations and quality standards related to lab consumables and services.
• Communication and Presentations: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels and be comfortable around higher management.
• Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously.
• Collaboration: Ability to work across the RDP (R&D Procurement) teams as well with all business partners to foster positive, enduring business relationships with compassion.
• Ability to deal with Ambiguity and remain calm under pressure.
• Conflict Management: Steps up to conflicts, seeing them as opportunities; reads the room and the situation quickly and focuses on listening.
• Planning and Prioritization: Accurately scopes out length and difficulty of tasks and projects; spends time on what’s important and zeros in on the few critical tasks at hand. Manages time effectively.
• Drive for Results.
• Self-Development: Personally committed to and actively works to continuously improve their skillset.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:

• ISM (Institute of Supplier Management) Certifications:
  • CPSM® Certified Professional in Supply Management®
  • CPSD® Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity®
• Knowledgeable in systems and processes for efficient management of contract documentation, templates and processing tools (e.g. eSourcing, eAuction) with familiarity and awareness of relevant legal risks and issues
• Experience with enterprise systems and procurement tools such as Ariba, SAP or Purchase Order technology is preferred.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to travel (air and ground both domestic and internationality) for various meetings at Takeda and Supplier sites.

Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary

We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. We are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices.

For Location:

U.S. Base Salary Range:

The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location.

U.S. based employees may be eligible for short-term and/or long-termincentives. U.S.based employees may be eligible to participate in medical, dental, vision insurance, a 401(k) plan and company match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, a tuition reimbursement program, paid volunteer time off, company holidays, and well-being benefits, among others. U.S.based employees are also eligible to receive, per calendar year, up to 80 hours of sick time, and new hires are eligible to accrue up to 120 hours of paid vacation.

EEO Statement

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