Category Manager - Filtration and Sterilization

Category Manager – Direct Materials Sourcing

We are seeking a strategic and results driven Category Manager to lead our direct materials sourcing initiatives, with a specialized focus on filtration, membrane, and sterilization technologies.

In this role, you will drive supplier strategy, optimize cost and performance, and ensure supply continuity for critical components that support high quality manufacturing and innovation. You will partner cross‑functionally with engineering, commercial, quality, and operations teams to identify opportunities, manage risk, and build strong supplier relationships within a highly technical and regulated environment.

• Development and execution of long‑term category strategies for highly critical and visible direct materials supporting Terumo BCT’s global manufacturing network.
• Prepare RFx, analyze proposals, and lead cross‑functional supplier selections based on total value proposition.
• Plan and execute supplier negotiations around pricing, capacity, business & legal terms.
• Cultivate expert‑level knowledge of category trends including cost drivers, global pricing, supply and demand material lead times, technical/manufacturing processes, and supplier market dynamics, and category specific market intelligence.
• Drive alternate sourcing, supplier consolidation and localization to maximize pricing leverage and cycle time improvements.
• Drive and manage enhanced margin through improved material cost savings.
• Drive commodity/category performance improvement to stated goals:
  Lead time improvements, Minimum Order Quantity improvements, Localization or Vendor Managed Inventory opportunities, Payment Terms, Incoming Quality, decrease inventory levels and increase inventory turns, and continuous supplies.
• Prepare Business Cases, including ROI models, and effectively present Cost