Category Manager; Purchasing – Professional Services & R&D

Job Summary

The Category Manager (Professional Services and R&D) is responsible for developing and carrying out category strategies across a diverse global portfolio that includes Management Consulting, HR Services, Marketing, and Life Sciences R&D Services. This role places particular emphasis on supporting clinical studies, clinical trials, and other scientific service needs. This role operates at the intersection of strategy, governance, and execution, requiring strong commercial acumen, deep stakeholder engagement, and the ability to manage complex, knowledge‑based services (R&D).

The position balances long‑term category value creation with hands‑on sourcing and supplier management, supporting critical business, transformation, and innovation agendas.

• This position requires working onsite 3 days per week at our U.S. headquarters in Lake Zurich, IL.
• This position does not offer visa sponsorship either now or in the future.
• Salary Range: $,000.
• Position is eligible to participate in an annual bonus plan with a target of 10% of the base salary.
• Final pay determinations will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to experience level, education, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Our benefits and programs are comprehensive and thoughtfully crafted to ensure our colleagues live healthy lives and have support when it matters most. Benefits offered include a 401(k) plan with company contributions, paid vacation, holiday and personal days, employee assistance program, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage.

• Assist in the development and own the regional execution of global category strategies, ensuring alignment with Global sourcing roadmaps and preferred supplier and partner models.
• Adapt global strategies to the Americas context while preserving strategic intent and governance discipline.
• Serve as the primary interface between Global Indirect Procurement and Americas stakeholders, ensuring continuous collaboration and alignment improvement.

• Translate global strategy into annual sourcing plans and sustainable pipeline management.
• Lead / Co‑lead complex sourcing initiatives delivering execution of end‑to‑end sourcing processes, from demand intake and market analysis through contract award and implementation.
• Negotiate commercial, contractual, and service‑level agreements to deliver measurable value (cost, quality, speed, innovation).

• Deploy globally defined strategic supplier ecosystem consistently across the Americas.
• Drive supplier performance management, QBRs, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for supplier consolidation, innovation partnerships, and risk mitigation.

• Act as a trusted business partner to R&D, Clinical Operations, Medical Affairs, Corporate Finance, Commercial, HR, and regional business stakeholders.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, IT, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field;
  Master’s degree or advanced certifications (e.g., CIPS, CPSM, Lean Six Sigma) are a plus.
• 8+ years’ experience in strategic sourcing and category management, with a demonstrable record of hands‑on execution.
• Deep understanding of CRO/FSP operating models and clinical services procurement, including MSAs, SOWs, rate‑card design, benchmarking, and change‑order governance.
• Solid exposure to Professional Services and/or R&D / Clinical Services categories.
• Working knowledge of GxP requirements, 21 CFR Part 11, and ICH‑GCP guidelines.
• Experience with spend cube design, savings/avoidance methodologies, rate analytics, dashboarding (Power BI/Tableau), and pipeline management.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Proficient user of SAP Ariba or similar sourcing tools (Sourcing and Supplier Management modules preferred).
• Working knowledge of SAP ERP for procurement, contract, and supplier master data management; familiarity with digital procurement tools and visualization platforms is a plus.
• Willingness to travel up to 20%.

We offer an excellent salary and benefits package including medical, dental and vision coverage, as well as life insurance, disability, 401(k) with company contribution, and wellness program.

Fresenius Kabi is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, disabilities, or protected veteran status.