Regional Category Manager; Electromechanical

Role Summary

The Regional Category Manager is responsible for executing procurement strategies with 3rd party suppliers in support of Fresenius Medical Care’s One Procurement strategy. Responsible for category management, strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, contracting, and ongoing supplier management for assigned category. Coordinates with Procurement Partner(s) and key stakeholders to ensure alignment of procurement strategies.

The successful candidate will lead the category management strategy regionally in alignment with four procurement pillars:
Procurement Partnering, Global Category Management, Center of Expertise and Procurement Operations. The ideal candidate for this role possesses the ability to build strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders and ensure that category strategies cross-functionally are aligned. This role will own strategy, analytics, and communications for executive-level projects related to respective category.

• Drive, develop, and implement multi‑year category plans for the assigned category, including demand aggregation, definition of buying channels, strategic relationship management, and supplier risk management.
• Maintain knowledge of current trends, supplier capabilities, innovation, and changes within the technology landscape.
• Identify, develop and lead/support opportunities to optimize spend, reduce costs, mitigate supply risks, improve services, bring innovation and assure supply.
• Lead or support cross‑functional supplier selection activities and management of formal strategic sourcing and RFx processes.
• Perform proposal analysis, including price analyses, “Should Cost” modelling, benchmarking and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
• Develop negotiation strategy, including targets for costs and key commercial/business terms.
• Work in conjunction with Legal, drafting and negotiating key legal and commercial terms.
• Evaluate financial stability of suppliers and manage supplier risks as needed.
• Actively manage key supplier relationships in collaboration with the VMO, including resolution of issues and disputes.
• Build relationships and work closely with the Procurement Business Partner(s), other Category Managers, and cross‑functional teams to share and implement procurement strategies.
• Lead or participate in supplier business reviews.
• Champion use of eSourcing, Spend Visibility, and R2P tools within category; leverage and utilize eAuctions where appropriate.
• Act as an ambassador of Procurement and champion the function for all Procurement policies, processes and tools to ensure compliance.
• Demonstrate the highest ethical standards and ensure Fresenius procedures are adopted and followed.
• Drive the category management process to develop strategies that include diversity, sustainability, risk assessment, currency, and overall continuity, in alignment with business KPIs.

• Bachelor’s Degree in either Technical or Business field.
• MBA and/or CPSM/CPM desired but not required.
• Strong management and effective business partnering capabilities – influence without authority.
• Experience with hands‑on analysis and data interpretation; proficiency in Microsoft Office Suites required.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Robust knowledge of the strategic sourcing and category management process.
• International experience a plus – working experience in different countries/regions/languages.
• 5+ years of procurement, contract negotiation and management experience.
• 1–3 years of experience with the latest procurement and contract management solutions.
• 2+ years of direct electromechanical category experience (PCBA, Cable Harnesses, Machined parts, Metal cabinets).
• Project management expertise with the ability to carry projects from planning through implementation.
• In‑depth knowledge and understanding of contract terms and conditions, including DPA, GDPR, ESG and others.
• Able to tailor communication and context across diverse geographic backgrounds and cultural settings.
• Able to negotiate the best possible terms with strategic suppliers that have a far-reaching impact on our business.
• Working in a multi‑national, multi‑cultural environment.
• Managership…