Global Category Leader - Machining, Plastics, and Sutures

Smith & Nephew; Field (NM); On-site; USD 119,500 - 207,250; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k Matching Program

Flexible Personal and Vacation Time Off

Medical, Dental, Vision Coverage

Tuition Reimbursement

Discounts on fitness clubs and travel

Job summary

Smith & Nephew is seeking a Global Category Leader for Machining, Plastics, and Sutures in the United States. In this full-time role, you'll drive strategic procurement to shape sourcing strategies supporting medical technologies. Responsibilities include leading supplier negotiations, cost reduction initiatives, and managing a global team.

The ideal candidate has 5-10 years of experience in a regulated environment and holds a relevant degree. Competitive compensation includes a salary range of $119,500 - $207,250 annually, plus benefits such as medical, dental coverage, and a 401k program.

Qualifications

• 5 to 10 years of progressive experience in strategic procurement or category management.
• Strong understanding of direct materials and manufacturing categories.
• Ability to influence and communicate effectively across groups.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global category strategies.
• Lead global sourcing activities and negotiations.
• Drive cost reduction and supplier innovation initiatives.

Skills

Strategic procurement

Leadership

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, Economics, Finance, Statistics

Tools

SAP

Ariba

Microsoft Office

Job description

## Global Category Leader - Machining, Plastics, and SuturesApplylocations: US - Fieldtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Yesterdayjob requisition id: R90908**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. 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.**What will you be doing?*** 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* Support new product introductions by guiding supplier selection, qualification, and material strategies* Lead, develop, and coach a global team of category managers and specialists* Represent the category in executive forums and global sourcing councils**What will you need to be successful?*** 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**You. Unlimited**.We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve.**Inclusion and Belonging -** Committed to welcoming, celebrating, and thriving on inclusion and belonging. Learn more about Employee Inclusion Groups on our website.**Your Future**: 401k Matching Program, 401k Plus Program, Discounted Stock Purchase Plan, Tuition Reimbursement **Work Life Balance**: Flexible Personal and Vacation Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flex Holidays, Paid Community Service Day **Your Wellbeing**: Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account with employer contribution, Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave, Fertility and Adoption Assistance Program **Flexibility**: Hybrid Work Model for most professional roles Training: Hands on, team customized learning and mentorship **Extra Perks**: Discounts on fitness clubs, travel, and more!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. In addition to base pay, we provide competitive bonus and benefits, which include medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401k, tuition reimbursement, medical leave programs, parental leave, and generous PTO, paid company holidays annually and 8 hours of Volunteer time and a variety of wellness offerings such as EAP.