Category Manager

Johnson & Johnson; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 102,000 - 177,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson & Johnson is seeking a Category Manager in Irvine, CA to lead procurement for CSS Material and Electronic Systems, driving supplier relationships, R&D support, and timely delivery of high-quality materials for rapid growth.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years in procurement, with a focus on components and raw materials, plus strong negotiation, leadership, and data-driven decision-making abilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional work experience, with 4 years in procurement, focus on components and raw materials.
• Procurement experience with components/products in Electrophysiology industry.
• Proven track record in developing and executing strategic procurement plans in manufacturing.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience managing supplier contracts.
• Ability to engage at leadership level with Suppliers and within Johnson & Johnson.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with a data-driven mindset.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to lead cross-functional teams.
• Track record of developing strong teams and shaping organization structure.
• Strong Credo values.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement Category strategies and plans.
• Supplier Management: Identify, evaluate, and establish supplier relationships aligned with quality standards.
• Negotiation: Lead contracts and pricing negotiations while managing risk and compliance.
• Cost Management: Monitor procurement spend and drive cost-saving initiatives.
• NPD Management: Identify industry innovations and bring new suppliers for product development.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with EM Make, R&D, VSL, Engineering, QA, Finance.
• Market Analysis: Research industry trends and supplier performance.
• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure adherence to policies and regulatory requirements.
• Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a high-performing procurement team.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in supply chain management

Master's degree preferred

Job description

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at jnj.com

As guided by Our Credo, Johnson & Johnson is responsible to our employees who work with us throughout the world. We provide an inclusive work environment where each person is considered as an individual. At Johnson & Johnson, we respect the diversity and dignity of our employees and recognize their merit.

Job Function: Procurement

Job Sub Function: Category

Job Category: Professional

All Job Posting Locations: Irvine, California, United States of America

Job Description: Johnson & Johnson is recruiting for a Category Manager to join our team in Irvine, CA

About MedTech

Fueled by innovation at the intersection of biology and technology, we’re developing the next generation of smarter, less invasive, more personalized treatments.

Your unique talents will help patients on their journey to wellness. Learn more at https://www.jnj.com/medtech

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled and strategic Category Manager to lead and manage the procurement activities for CSS Material and Electronic Systems suppliers. The role will be crucial in driving our procurement strategy, optimizing supplier relationships, supporting R&D innovation pipeline, and ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality materials to support the rapidly growing CSS business units.

This role will oversee a substantial spend of approximately $100MM, with a significant year-on-year spend increase, playing a critical role in supporting EP/NV growth and success.

The ideal candidate brings a blend of operational expertise, business and financial acumen, and leadership experience of team management in complex, regulated industries such as MedTech and life sciences, or regulated manufacturing environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement effective Category strategies and plans to meet organizational goals.

• Supplier Management: Identify, evaluate, and establish relationships with new and existing suppliers, ensuring they align with our quality standards and business objectives.

• Negotiation: Lead negotiations for contracts and pricing, securing favorable terms and conditions while managing risk and ensuring compliance.

• Cost Management: Monitor and analyze procurement spend, implementing cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality.

• NPD Management: Identify innovation in the industry and bring the best innovative suppliers to serve our new product development

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with internal stakeholders (such as EM Make, R&D, VSL, Engineering, QA, Finance) to ensure alignment and support EP/NV strategy

• Market Analysis: Conduct market research and analysis to remain informed of industry trends and supplier performance.

• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure compliance with corporate policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements in all procurement activities.

• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing procurement team, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional work experience, with 4 years of procurement experience, with a focus on components and raw material suppliers.

• Procurement experience working with components and products related to Electrophysiology industry

• Proven track record in developing and executing strategic procurement plans in a manufacturing environment.

• Strong negotiation skills and experience managing supplier contracts.

• Ability to engage at the leadership level with both Suppliers and within J&J

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven mindset.

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams.

• Track record on developing strong team and shaping organization structure

• Strong Credo values

Preferred:

• Diverse procurement experience across category sourcing, new product development sourcing or other sourcing areas

• Professional (APICS, ISM, Six Sigma) Certification

• Adaptable to meet rapidly changing priorities

#LI-Hybrid

Johnson & Johnson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by federal, state or local law. We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Johnson & Johnson is committed to providing an interview process that is inclusive of our applicants’ needs. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation, please contact us via https://www.jnj.com/contact-us/careers or contact AskGS to be directed to your accommodation resource.

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

Business Data Analysis, Business Savvy, Category Management Strategy, Coaching, Competitive Landscape Analysis, Contract Management, Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA), Critical Thinking, Data Analysis, Market Savvy, Negotiation, New Program Development, Performance Measurement, Process Improvements, Procurement Policies, Relationship Building, Risk Management, Spend Analysis, Strategic Thinking, Supplier Collaboration, Sustainable Procurement, Technical Credibility, Vendor Selection

The anticipated base pay range for this position is :

$102,000.00 - $177,100.00

Additional Description for Pay Transparency:

Subject to the terms of their respective plans, employees are eligible to participate in the Company’s consolidated retirement plan (pension) and savings plan (401(k)).

Subject to the terms of their respective policies and date of hire, employees are eligible for the following time off benefits:

Vacation –120 hours per calendar year

Sick time - 40 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Colorado –48 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Washington –56 hours per calendar year

Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays –13 days per calendar year

Work, Personal and Family Time - up to 40 hours per calendar year

Parental Leave – 480 hours within one year of the birth/adoption/foster care of a child

Bereavement Leave – 240 hours for an immediate family member: