Global Category Leader - Machining, Plastics, and Sutures

Smith & Nephew; United States; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 207,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k Matching Program

Tuition Reimbursement

Hybrid Work Model

Paid Holidays

Volunteer time off

Job summary

Smith+ Nephew is seeking a Global Category Leader for Machining, Plastics, and Sutures to shape sourcing strategy and lead cross-functional teams across a global manufacturing footprint.

You will drive multiyear category plans, oversee supplier negotiations, and influence cost, resilience, and supplier innovation in a regulated medical devices environment.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of strategic procurement or category management experience in medical devices or regulated environments.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, Economics, Finance, or related field.
• Strong analytical, financial and project management skills with learning agility.
• Proven experience leading global supplier negotiations and complex contracts.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute multiyear global category strategies aligned to roadmaps.
• Lead global sourcing activities including RFx events, negotiations, and contract management.
• Drive cost reduction, cash improvement, and supply resilience in machining, plastics, and sutures.
• Own supplier segmentation, performance governance, and risk mitigation.
• Apply should-cost modeling, value engineering, and market intelligence to sourcing decisions.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, engineering, R&D, and finance.
• Lead supplier development and innovation programs, including best-cost-country sourcing.
• Guide supplier selection, qualification, and material strategies for new products.
• Lead, develop, and coach a global team of category managers and specialists.
• Represent the category in executive forums and global sourcing councils.

Skills

Strategic procurement

Category management

Global sourcing

RFx events

Supplier negotiations

Contract management

Cost reduction

Supply resilience

Market intelligence

Leadership

SAP

Ariba

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's/Master's degree

Tools

SAP

Ariba

MS Office

Job description

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, preferable 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.

Smith+ Nephew provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.

Stay connected by joining our Talent Community. We're more than just a company - we're a community! Follow us on LinkedIn to see how we support and empower our employees and patients every day. Check us out on Glassdoor for a glimpse behind the scenes and a sneak peek into You. Unlimited., life, culture, and benefits at S+N. Explore our website and learn more about our mission, our team, and the opportunities we offer. Smith+ Nephew is a global medical technology company. We design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. We support healthcare professionals to return their patients to health and mobility, helping them to perform at their fullest potential. From our first employee and founder, T.J. Smith, to our team today, it’s our people who make Smith+ Nephew a unique place. Yes, we love to innovate and develop exciting technologies, and we offer competitive salaries and progressive benefits. But it’s our culture -of Care, Collaboration and Courage - that really sets us apart. Through a spirit of ownership and can-do attitude we work together to win. We’re a company of people who care about each other, about our customers and their patients, and about our communities. Together, we fulfill our shared purpose of Life Unlimited.