Global Category Leader - Machining, Plastics, and Sutures

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.

About the role

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.

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
• Guide supplier selection, qualification, and material strategies for new product introductions
• Lead, develop, and coach a global team of category managers and specialists
• Represent the category in executive forums and global sourcing councils

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

Qualifications

• 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

Skills

• Strategic thinking and execution
• Supplier negotiation and contract management
• Cost reduction and supply resilience
• Global sourcing and category management
• Supplier segmentation and performance governance
• Market intelligence and should cost modeling
• Collaboration and cross-functional leadership
• Supplier development and innovation
• Supplier selection and qualification
• Team development and coaching
• Executive forum representation

Benefits

• 401k Matching Program
• 401k Plus Program
• Discounted Stock Purchase Plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Health Savings Account coverage
• Employee Assistance Program
• Parental Leave
• Fertility and Adoption Assistance Program
• Flexible Personal and Vacation Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Flex Holidays
• Paid Community Service Day
• Training and Development
• Extra Perks

Pay

The anticipated base compensation range for this position is $119,500 - $207,250 USD annually (or hourly). The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range for their role at Smith + Nephew. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

Schedule

Smith+Nephew offers a hybrid work model for most professional roles.