Global Category Lead (Contract Manufacturing)

About the role

Fresenius Medical Care's Procurement Department is looking for a Global Category Lead for Contract Manufacturing. The role defines and executes the global procurement strategy for the category, aligns with the company's strategic, operational, financial, sustainability and risk objectives, and manages strategic supplier partnerships across multiple regions. It reports to the Director Global Contract Manufacturing and leads a team of Category Managers and procurement professionals.

Key responsibilities

• Own the global category strategy and roadmap, develop multi-year category plans and long-term supplier portfolio strategies
• Drive procurement excellence through innovation, sustainability, digitalization and continuous improvement, and lead category governance and business reviews
• Lead, coach and manage Category Managers, set performance objectives, build talent pipelines and foster a high-performance culture
• Lead executive-level supplier negotiations, approve sourcing recommendations and award decisions, and ensure annual savings and value-creation targets
• Manage strategic contracting, supplier segmentation, performance management, quality, regulatory, ESG and sustainability compliance
• Lead supplier risk assessment, business continuity and supply resilience plans, and geopolitical, financial, quality and operational supply risks
• Act as senior procurement partner to Global Manufacturing Operations, influence make-versus-buy decisions and present category strategies to senior leadership

Required profile

• Minimum 12 years of progressive procurement and strategic sourcing experience
• Minimum 7 years leading Contract Manufacturing categories in a global environment
• Minimum 5 years of people management experience
• Demonstrated success managing international supplier networks and leading complex international negotiations
• Experience in regulated industries such as medical devices, healthcare, life sciences, pharmaceuticals or advanced manufacturing
• Project management expertise and ability to work in a multinational, multicultural environment
• English mandatory; German would be an asset

Required skills

• In-depth knowledge of contract terms and conditions
• Strong negotiation and relationship management skills
• Critical thinking and decision-making, with the ability to collaborate with senior executives

What we offer

• Individual opportunities for self-determined career planning and professional development
• A corporate culture that encourages innovative thinking
• The benefits of a successful global corporation with a collegial culture