About the role
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!
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.
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