Category Manager

AGC Biologics, Inc.; Bothell (WA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 149,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Paid time off

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Parental leave

Education assistance

Employee referral program

Wellbeing benefits

Job summary

AGC Biologics, Inc. in Bothell, WA is seeking a Category Manager to develop and execute category strategies for indirect spend and selected direct categories.

You will lead strategic sourcing, negotiations, and supplier performance management to deliver cost-effective, high-quality solutions for the business. This role partners with stakeholders to align sourcing with corporate objectives, manage supplier relationships, and drive continuous improvement across global markets.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of procurement, sourcing, category management, or supply chain experience in a mid-to-large multinational organization.
• Experience within regulated industries; life sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or medical device experience preferred.
• Preferred CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) or equivalent certification.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems; Microsoft Dynamics 365 preferred.
• Familiarity with regulatory expectations affecting suppliers, including FDA, EMA, and applicable GxP requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute short-term and long-term category strategies for indirect spend categories, mainly indirect with selected direct categories.
• Lead supplier identification, evaluation, selection, qualification, and contract negotiations.
• Develop and manage strategic supplier relationships to ensure reliable supply, cost effectiveness, and compliance with quality, service, and performance expectations.
• Provide category management and sourcing expertise to business stakeholders and influence sourcing decisions.

Skills

Stakeholder influence

Leadership

Project management

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Communication

Excel proficiency

Global supplier management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Technical, or related field

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Dynamics 365

Job description

Join Us in Bringing Hope to Life Our purpose is to bring hope to life by enabling life‑changing therapies for patients around the globe, creating a healthier and happier tomorrow. To advance this purpose, we rely on team members who value excellence, collaboration, and meaningful work. If this resonates with you, we invite you to explore the role further and apply.

Job Summary

The Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing category strategies while managing approximately $50 million in annual spend. This role leads strategic sourcing initiatives, commercial negotiations, supplier performance management, and cross-functional stakeholder partnerships to deliver business value. The Category Manager drives cost optimization, mitigates supply and operational risks, fosters supplier innovation, and ensures the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective solutions that support organizational objectives and operational excellence.

About Our Team

Our Category & Procurement team partners closely with site and business leaders to ensure the reliable and cost-effective sourcing of goods and services that support daily operations and long-term growth. While primarily focused on local business needs, the team also collaborates with global stakeholders and suppliers to leverage best practices, drive value, manage risk, and support strategic procurement initiatives across the organization.

Your Key Responsibilities

Category Management

Develop and execute short-term and long-term category strategies for assigned spend categories, mainly indirect with selected direct categories. Develop and improve category strategies and business processes to continuously improve cost, quality, service, and supply continuity. Conduct supplier segmentation (Critical, Strategic, Preferred, Approved, Operational) and maintain approved supplier and product/service lists. Maintain expertise in assigned categories, including supply market trends, commodity dynamics, supplier economics, regulatory developments, and sourcing best practices. Maintain category metrics, reporting, process documentation, and supplier records.

Strategic Sourcing

Lead supplier identification, evaluation, selection, qualification, and contract negotiations. Lead key sourcing activities, including opportunity assessment, market analysis, strategy development, supplier negotiations, award recommendations, and contract execution. Manage strategic sourcing initiatives considering total cost of ownership, lead times, supply continuity, and business risk. Negotiate and administer contracts with global suppliers.

Supplier Relationship Management

Develop and manage strategic supplier relationships to ensure reliable supply, cost effectiveness, and compliance with quality, service, and performance expectations. Develop supplier performance metrics, reporting, and scorecards to proactively monitor supplier performance. Lead productivity improvement initiatives with suppliers and internal stakeholders to optimize cost, improve operational efficiency, increase yields, and improve working capital. Develop and execute supplier contingency plans to ensure continuity of supply and mitigate supplier risks.

Stakeholder Management

Provide category management and sourcing expertise to business stakeholders. Partner with stakeholders to develop sourcing strategies that support business objectives. Influence sourcing decisions using market intelligence, supplier capabilities, and commercial recommendations.

Procurement Governance

Develop and implement processes that communicate, monitor, and ensure compliance with sourcing strategies and procurement business processes. Support procurement policies, preferred supplier programs, and sourcing governance initiatives. Promote adoption of procurement best practices and standardized sourcing methodologies.

Market Intelligence

Monitor supplier markets and pricing trends. Identify commercial risks and sourcing opportunities. Evaluate supplier capabilities and industry developments. Recommend proactive sourcing strategies.

Your Skills & Abilities

Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and drive results through effective collaboration. Ability to communicate effectively with employees, leadership, suppliers, and external partners. Strong leadership, project management, and organizational skills. Business acumen with strong communication, change management, and customer service capabilities. Experience developing category strategies and leading strategic sourcing initiatives. Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills across global markets. Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex environment. Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Your Qualifications

Required Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Technical, or related field. Minimum of 8 years of procurement, sourcing, category management, or supply chain experience within a mid-to-large multinational organization. Experience within regulated industries; life sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or medical device experience preferred. Proven track record of delivering continuous improvement and measurable annual business results. Strong knowledge of procurement principles, global supply chain processes, and sourcing best practices. Understanding of domestic and international trade and regulatory requirements. Preferred CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) or equivalent certification. Experience with ERP/MRP systems; Microsoft Dynamics 365 preferred. Familiarity with regulatory expectations affecting suppliers, including FDA, EMA, and applicable GxP requirements.

Formalities

Location: Onsite in Bothell, WA

Schedule: Standard work hours

Compensation: $108,080 - $148,610, based on experience

We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that may include annual bonus opportunities, paid time off, medical, dental and vision coverage, parental leave, education assistance, employee referral and recognition programs, and additional wellbeing benefits.

Eligibility and benefits may vary based on role, location, and employment status.

Who We Are

AGC Biologics is a global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization with a strong presence in the United States. From our headquarters in Bothell, Washington, we develop and manufacture life‑changing advanced biologics for some of the world’s most innovative pharmaceutical companies. Together with our team members across Europe, the U.S., and Japan, we deliver development and manufacturing of mammalian and microbial-based therapeutic proteins, plasmid DNA (pDNA), messenger RNA (mRNA), viral vectors, and genetically engineered cells therapies. Across our global network, we are united by one mission: To work side by side with our customers in order to improve patients’ lives by bringing new biopharmaceuticals to market. We are a collaborative, inclusive, and equal‑opportunity organization where team members are valued for their expertise, teamwork, and ingenuity. AGC Biologics is Your Friendly CDMO Expert – dedicated partners with the expertise and commitment to support our customers and teams. We work with some of the world’s most innovative pharmaceutical companies to develop and manufacture their life-changing drug products. If you’re motivated by meaningful impact and ready to join our journey, we invite you to explore our current opportunities!