Global Category Leader - Equipment CAPEX & Maintenance

Smith & Nephew; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative and forward-thinking company is seeking a Global Category Leader to drive excellence in Capital Equipment & Equipment Maintenance. This hybrid role offers the chance to lead sourcing projects, optimize demand management, and enhance supplier performance. You will play a pivotal role in developing category strategies and fostering strong supplier relationships. If you have a robust procurement background and a passion for innovation, this is your opportunity to make a significant impact within a dynamic organization that values collaboration and care.

Benefits

Generous annual bonus

Pension schemes

Flexible vacation and time off

Private health and dental plans

Hybrid working model

Discounts on gyms and fitness clubs

Qualifications

• Strong background in procurement and category strategies on a global scale.
• Experience in managing Capital Equipment & Equipment Maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and own category strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Manage supplier relationships and drive cost efficiency.

Skills

Category Management

Supplier Relationship Management

Cost Efficiency

Project Management

Education

CIPS Qualification

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

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

This is a hybrid role that can be flexibly based from our Hull or Watford site with occasional travel to the other location as required.

We're looking for a dynamic Global Category Leader for our Capital Equipment & Equipment Maintenance (GCL CAPEX) Category, to spearhead initiatives and drive excellence within this key category. In this influential position, you will own category strategy, oversee significant expenditure, and craft supplier and stakeholder engagement across a worldwide landscape. Expertise in category management will be essential, helping to deliver innovative solutions that align with our broader operational and manufacturing goals.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead sourcing projects end-to-end, optimise demand management, and champion supplier performance and innovation. Playing a critical part in defining specifications, improving vendor relationships, and ensuring perfect execution of strategic plans. Reporting to the Global Category Director, you will be at the heart of a dynamic organisation that values care, collaboration, and courage!

What will you be doing?

1. Develop and own category strategies aligned with business objectives, securing stakeholder approval, and ensuring clear communication.
2. Deliver cost efficiency by achieving CAPEX category savings targets and handling supplier, market, and internal business data.
3. Mitigate risks by identifying key supplier issues, ensuring performance concerns are addressed, and maintaining compliance with Procurement policies.
4. Lead projects based on the CAPEX strategy, driving initiatives that feed into the Annual Procurement Category Plan.
5. Manage supplier relationships through segmentation, critical metric implementation, contract negotiations, and governance activities, including Executive and Quarterly Business Reviews.
6. Champion innovation by collaborating with strategic suppliers to drive the Smith+Nephew innovation agenda.
7. Supervise a small team, ensuring alignment with overall Category strategy and maintaining clear stakeholder communication.

What will you need to be successful?

To excel in this role, you will need a strong background in procurement, with extensive experience leading category strategies on a global scale. Expertise in managing Capital Equipment & Equipment Maintenance is crucial. An understanding of MRO, Facilities, and Real Estate category management are a bonus, as these areas closely intersect with the role. A recognised professional qualification such as CIPS, or an equivalent, is highly preferred.

Success in this position will rely on your ability to develop strategic supplier relationships, drive cost efficiency, and lead sophisticated procurement initiatives while ensuring flawless collaboration with key stakeholders across the business.

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 (https://www.smith-nephew.com/).

• Your Future: Generous annual bonus and pension schemes, Save As You Earn share options, and a car allowance.

• Work/Life Balance: Flexible vacation and time off, paid holidays, and paid volunteering hours.

• Your Wellbeing: Private health and dental plans, healthcare cash plans, income protection, life assurance, and more.

• Flexibility: Hybrid working model (for most professional roles).

• Training: Hands-on, team-customized mentorship.

• Extra Perks: Discounts on gyms and fitness clubs, salary sacrifice bicycle and car schemes, and other employee discounts.

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