Global Category Manager - CRO (Director)

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 177,000 - 278,000; Full time

Job summary

Takeda seeks a Global Category Manager for CRO services to lead strategic sourcing for over $600M in annual CRO spend, collaborating with R&D, procurement, Q&A, and finance. The role focuses on global category development, supplier relationships, and compliant procurement programs.

The candidate will drive cost-saving initiatives, manage contracts, and ensure quality across geographies, with a strong emphasis on leadership and cross-functional teamwork.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field; master's preferred.
• 13+ years in procurement or category management within pharma.
• Experience leading global CRO service strategies.
• Strong contract management and supplier relationship skills.
• Analytical, financial and strategic thinking abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement global CRO category strategies.
• Lead supplier selection, negotiation, and SRM efforts.
• Drive cost savings and value creation without compromising quality.
• Collaborate with R&D, QA, and finance across regions.
• Mentor and develop a global procurement team.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier relationships

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in supply chain management

Master's degree preferred

ISM CPSM certification

ISM CPSD certification

Tools

Cirtuo

Ariba

SAP

Job description

Job Description

Global Category Manager: CRO(Contract Research Organizations)

Job Summary

The Global Category Management for Contract Research Organizations (CRO) is responsible for leading the strategic sourcing and procurement activities for all CRO services with greater than 600 Million USD annual spend, required for Clinical Development across Takeda.

This role involves developing and implementing global category strategies, managing supplier relationships, and driving cost-saving initiatives while ensuring the highest standards of quality and compliance. The incumbent will collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D, procurement, quality assurance, and finance to align category strategies with business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy Development

• Develop and implement comprehensive global category strategies for Takeda CRO services.
• Conduct market analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and risks.
• Align category strategies with overall business goals and Takeda objectives across functions and regions.
• Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers for CRO services.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure reliability, quality, and innovation.
• Negotiate contracts, terms, and conditions with suppliers to achieve optimal pricing and service levels.
• Track, manage, and improve SRM in designated tools and technologies.

Procurement and Sourcing

• Lead global sourcing initiatives to drive cost savings and value creation.
• Implement best practices in procurement processes, including RFIs, RFPs, and RFQs.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and quality standards.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage the annual demand plan with the business for CRO
• Track and report on cost savings and financial performance of the category.
• Collaborate with finance teams to forecast and manage spend.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Takeda teams across geographies and functions to understand their requirements and ensure timely and effective procurement of CRO services.
• Partner with Procurement colleagues to find value opportunities and ensure compliance to sourcing strategies.
• Coordinate with R&D GCMs to optimize sourcing strategies.

Performance Management

• Monitor and evaluate supplier performance using key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance category performance.
• Address and resolve any issues related to supplier performance.

Team Leadership

• Mentor and develop a global team of procurement professionals.
• Provide mentorship, guidance, and training to cross functional team members.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence within the team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Preferred ISM (Institute of Supplier Management) Certifications:
  • CPSM® Certified Professional in Supply Management®
  • CPSD® Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity®
• Minimum of 13 years of experience in procurement, category management, or supply chain management, with a focus on Clinical Development in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing global category strategies within complex and business critical areas.
• Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management skills.
• Excellent analytical, financial, and strategic thinking abilities.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a global, cross-functional environment.
• Knowledge of industry regulations and quality standards
• Proficiency in procurement software and tools such as Cirtuo, Ariba and SAP.

Competencies

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop long-term category strategies aligned with business objectives. Sees ahead clearly and anticipates future consequences and trends accurately.
• Analytical Skills: Strong capability to analyze market trends, financial data, and supplier performance.
• Negotiation Skills: Expertise in negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships.
• Leadership: Proven track record of leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Communication and Presentations: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels and be comfortable around higher management.
• Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously.
• Collaboration: Ability to work across the RDP (R&D Procurement) teams as well with all Procurement colleagues, business partners to foster positive, enduring business relationships with compassion
• Ability to deal with Ambiguity and remain calm under pressure.
• Conflict Management: Steps up to conflicts, seeing them as opportunities; reads the room and the situation quickly and focuses on listening.
• Planning and Prioritization: Accurately scopes out length and difficulty of tasks and projects; spends time on what's important and zeros in on the few critical tasks at hand. Manages time effectively.
• Drive for Results
• Self-Development: Personally committed to and actively works to continuously improve their skillset

Location

• Cambridge, MA
• This is a hybrid role with in-office expectations of at least + 8 days per month. A strong onsite presence is necessary, candidates must be locally based within a reasonable commute to Takeda's Cambridge, MA offices.

Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary

We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. We are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices.

For Location:

Cambridge, MA

U.S. Base Salary Range:

$177,000.00 - $278,080.00

The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location.

EEO Statement

Takeda is proud in its commitment to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, genetic information or characteristics, marital status, status as a Vietnam era veteran, special disabled veteran, or other protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, and any other characteristic protected by law.

Locations

Cambridge, MA

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

Job Exempt

Yes

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.