Global Category Strategy Lead

USA - 3310 Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.; Kendall Square (MA); On-site; USD 177,000 - 278,000; Full time

Job summary

Takeda in Cambridge, MA is seeking an experienced procurement leader to define and drive category strategies, align with senior stakeholders, and optimize external spend. You will shape supplier portfolios, deliver programs across cost, risk, innovation, and quality, and lead a small team of category managers.

The role demands strong negotiation, governance, and cross-functional collaboration with operations, finance, legal, and procurement to sustain continuity and value delivery across the

Qualifications

• 10+ years experience in procurement, category management, supply chain, or related functions within complex global organizations.
• Proven ability to develop and execute category strategies.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen with a track record of delivering value through cost optimization, risk management, and sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead category strategies that maximize enterprise value from external spend.
• Act as a strategic partner to senior leaders, aligning priorities with objectives.
• Drive long-term outcomes by shaping category strategy, supplier portfolio, and enterprise spending decisions.
• Coach category managers toward best-practice category management and develop succession plans.

Skills

Procurement

Category management

Strategic sourcing

Supplier relationship management

Contract governance

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA advantageous

Job description

Takeda in Cambridge, MA is seeking an experienced procurement leader to define and drive category strategies, align with senior stakeholders, and optimize external spend. You will shape supplier portfolios, deliver programs across cost, risk, innovation, and quality, and lead a small team of category managers.

The role demands strong negotiation, governance, and cross-functional collaboration with operations, finance, legal, and procurement to sustain continuity and value delivery across the