(Senior) Global Category Manager (Tooling) (m/w/d)

Fresenius Medical Care North America; United States; Remote; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global healthcare company is seeking a GCM Tooling professional to optimize tooling management within the Product Procurement team. This role involves collaborating across various departments to enhance tool lifecycle management and sourcing strategies, significantly impacting operational excellence and cost efficiency in a complex and regulated environment.

Qualifications

• Certified technician with proven expertise in the plastics industry.
• Strong knowledge of injection molding processes and technologies.
• Experience in global sourcing and supplier management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement global tooling management strategies.
• Lead sourcing activities and supplier negotiations.
• Collaborate on tool maintenance schedules and lifecycle management.

Skills

Tool design

Manufacturing

Lifecycle management

Cross-functional collaboration

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Mold-related software

Job description

Summary:
The GCM Tooling plays a pivotal role in establishing and leading the tooling management capability within the Product Procurement team. This role requires a deep understanding of tooling design (especially plastic molds), manufacturing, tool maintenance, and lifecycle management. The GCM Tooling will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including other Category teams, Supplier Engineering, Plants, Verticals, MTI (Manufacturing, Technology and Innovation), Finance, and Legal to optimize asset usage and drive cost-effective solutions across FME's global operations.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive global tooling management strategy aligned with FME's business objectives and procurement strategy, considering potential scope expansion for assets such as fixtures, jigs, measurement, and inspection tools.
• Collaborate with Finance and Verticals to establish funding models for tooling investments, incorporating 'Total Value of Ownership' principles.
• Partner with MTI to co-develop and implement tool acquisition and disposal programs, standardized procedures for tool design, validation, and maintenance, and a global tool database for tracking assets.
• Monitor lifecycle management of tools at suppliers in collaboration with Supplier Engineering.
• Define a clear 'Global/Local Mix' framework for sourcing decisions, considering local needs and standardization opportunities.

Sourcing & Supplier Management:

• Identify and develop a network of preferred global tool suppliers.
• Establish standardized RFX templates with should-cost modeling and target costs.
• Lead sourcing activities, including RFXs and negotiations, leveraging internal expertise.
• Support categories with insights to mitigate costs and risks.
• Implement Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) with key suppliers involving cross-functional teams.

Operational Excellence:

• Develop and maintain a global tool/asset database tracking location, ownership, condition, and maintenance.
• Collaborate with MTI to define and monitor tool maintenance schedules.
• Support asset relocations between suppliers and plants in alignment with category teams and Verticals.
• Assist with IFRS 16 lease value updates for accounting and reporting.
• Partner with Supplier Engineering to drive continuous improvement initiatives for asset utilization, lead times, and equipment effectiveness.

Qualifications:

• Certified technician with a Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field; Master's preferred.
• Proven expertise in tool design, manufacturing, and lifecycle management in plastics industry.
• Strong knowledge of injection molding processes and technologies.
• Experience in global sourcing, supplier management, and contract negotiations.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Proficiency with mold-related software and databases.
• Fluent in English; willingness to travel; experience in regulated industries and international procurement is a plus.