Lead Category Specialist

About the position

The Lead Category Specialist is responsible for executing strategic sourcing processes for Construction and Capital Equipment, ensuring compliance with policies and procedures. This role involves addressing routine variations in sourcing processes, managing supplier relationships, and refining sourcing strategies to enhance financial performance. The individual will also educate internal customers on procurement needs and best practices, while leading continuous improvement initiatives to achieve cost savings and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Develop relationships with internal customers to understand their procurement needs and leverage strategic sourcing opportunities.
• Educate and train the customer base on sourcing policies, processes, and systems.
• Administer the end-to-end purchase order process, supporting Finance, Receiving, Accounting, and Legal in the procure-to-pay process.
• Ensure timely purchases for Construction and Capital Equipment while negotiating the best market prices.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to meet department and site cost savings targets.
• Drive adherence to corporate contracts and e-catalogs.
• Manage key supplier relationships, tracking performance and improving compliance.
• Lead sourcing initiatives, including RFIs/RFQs/RFPs, supplier qualification, and total cost analysis.
• Assist in corporate-level sourcing efforts to meet cost savings goals.
• Conduct analysis on material usage and spend to identify savings opportunities.
• Implement supplier risk mitigation strategies for critical supplies.
• Ensure compliance with EHSS, cGMP, Customs, and SOX regulations.
• Refine and develop Master Service Agreements (MSAs) with Corporate Legal departments.
• Review and negotiate pricing and terms with suppliers.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in life sciences or business.
• 6+ years of experience in procurement and sourcing or closely related fields.
• 2 years of experience sourcing Construction and Capital Equipment.
• Proven RFQ experience in a cross-functional environment.
• Track record of delivering tangible results in a global complex environment.
• Experience working with multiple teams and projects simultaneously.

Nice-to-haves

• Involvement in a purchasing-related professional organization.
• CPM certification.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• 401k plan
• Paid holidays
• Flexible scheduling
• Professional development opportunities