Global Category Manager - CRO (Director)

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive global category strategies for Takeda CRO services.
• Conduct market analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and risks.
• Align category strategies with overall business goals and Takeda objectives across functions and regions.
• Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers for CRO 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.
• Track, manage, and improve SRM in designated tools and technologies.
• 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.
• Develop and manage the annual demand plan with the business for CRO services.
• Track and report on cost savings and financial performance of the category.
• Collaborate with finance teams to forecast and manage spend.
• Work closely with Takeda teams across geographies and functions to understand their requirements and ensure timely and effective procurement of CRO services.
• Partner with Procurement colleagues to find value opportunities and ensure compliance to sourcing strategies.
• Coordinate with R&D GCMs to optimize sourcing strategies.
• 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.
• Mentor and develop a global team of procurement professionals.
• Provide mentorship, guidance, and training to cross-functional team members.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence within the team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 13 years of experience in procurement, category management, or supply chain management, with a focus on Clinical Development in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing global category strategies within complex and business critical areas.
• 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.
• Proficiency in procurement software and tools such as Cirtuo, Ariba and SAP.