Procurement Category Manager - Plastics

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.

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The Global Category Manager is responsible understand total spend, pricing structure, commercial terms and trends for raw materials, semi-finished goods and purchased finished goods. Leverage market knowledge, specifically on cost and supply/demand drivers to improve ability to source materials to drive positive position Smith and Nephew's versus industry.

What will you be doing?

• Collaborate with Smith + Nephew's Global Procurement and Operations to establish a global material strategy.

• Work collaboratively with business leaders, suppliers, and customers to develop innovative sourcing arrangements to reduce costs and risks; negotiate complex contracts to procure these strategic materials.

• Develop an understanding of Smith + Nephew's product lines, market strategy, competition, and technology to establish the link between raw material and product pricing.

• Lead cross-functional business activities that identify, qualify, negotiate, and successfully implement new suppliers.

• Understand manufacturing processes to ensure supply deflation and business profitability.

• Cross-functional relationships with key internal stakeholders in Quality Compliance, engineering, Supplier Quality, and Regulatory.

• Lead the sourcing for New Products through object analysis.

• Utilize Six Sigma and Lean tools to drive continuous improvement in the sourcing processes and to drive supplier productivity and development.

• Knows and adheres to the quality policy of the company and the quality-related procedures and instructions.

• Reports any deviation in product or process, of which he/she becomes aware, to his/her manager or the Quality department.

• Completes all necessary training in the area of Quality and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice).

• Has worked in an Agile and preferably a regulated industry such as medical device development.

• Continuously monitors industry for best practices and drives a culture of engineering excellence.

• Immediately reports any dissatisfaction or complaint which is brought to their attention from a customer or patient regarding a Smith & Nephew product (e.g. in terms of quality, durability, reliability, safety or performance) to the complaints department.

• Complies with all health, safety and environmental policies, procedures and job hazard analyses applicable to specified job activities; including medical evaluations as required by job function.

• Completes all required HSE training.

What will you need to be successful?

Education:

• BS/MS in Bachelor's Degree in Business, Economics, Finance, Statistics, or a relevant field of work, or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience.

• Strong computer skills including use of SAP, Ariba and Microsoft Office suite.

Experience:

• The ideal candidate will be a proven, successful, internationally experienced professional who has had strategic procurement responsibility for a minimum of 5 years in progressive roles.

• Should have a strong knowledge of direct material categories (Injected Molded Plastics, Resin and other associated materials)

• Proven and demonstrated successful experience and ability to think strategically about procurement in the context of overall business strategy.

• Strong ability to assess the market dynamics of key raw material and component related industries and adapt the procurement strategy to industry trends and other key external factors.

• Proven track record for innovative approaches resulting in "game-changing" opportunities, which placed the business in a competitively advantaged position in the market.

Competences

• Fluency in English. Proficiency in other language(s) desired.

• Strong analytical skills, including cost analysis, financial skills, project management skills and contracts. Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.

• Travel up to 25% may be required. (Domestic and International)

You. Unlimited.

We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve.

• Inclusion, Diversity and Equity- Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Diversity, Learn more about Employee Inclusion Groups on our website (https://www.smith-nephew.com/

• Your Future: 401k Matching Program, 401k Plus Program, Discounted Stock Options, Tuition Reimbursement
• Work/Life Balance: Flexible Personal/Vacation Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flex Holidays, Paid Community Service Day
• Your Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account (Employer Contribution of $500+ annually), Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave, Fertility and Adoption Assistance Program

• Training: Hands-On, Team-Customized, Mentorship
• Extra Perks: Discounts on fitness clubs, travel and more!

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The anticipated base compensation range for this position is $132,000 - 152,000 USD annually (or hourly) The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range for their role at Smith + Nephew. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate. In addition to base pay, we provide competitive bonus and benefits, which include medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401k, tuition reimbursement, medical leave programs, parental leave, and generous PTO, paid company holidays annually and 8 hours of Volunteer time and a variety of wellness offerings such as EAP.

To be considered for this role, please submit your application by 06/06/2025."

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.