Global Category Leader - Machining, Plastics, and Sutures

Location: Field

## Global Category Leader
- Machining, Plastics, and Sutures Apply locations:
US
- Fieldtime type:
Full time posted on:
Posted Yesterday job requisition :
R90908
** Life. Unlimited.
** At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.

Are you a strategic procurement leader who thrives on global impact? As our
** Global Category Leader – Machining, Plastics, and Sutures**, you will play a critical role in shaping global sourcing strategies that support innovative medical technologies used by patients around the world. This is a senior, highly visible role where you will influence cost, supply resilience, and supplier innovation across complex manufacturing categories, partnering closely with global operations, engineering, and business leaders.
** What will you be doing?
*** Develop and execute multiyear global category strategies aligned to business and product roadmaps
* Lead global sourcing activities including RFx events, supplier negotiations, and contract management
* Drive cost reduction, cash improvement, and supply resilience initiatives across machining, plastics, and sutures
* Own supplier segmentation, consolidation, performance governance, and risk mitigation strategies
* Apply should cost modeling, value engineering, and market intelligence to optimize sourcing decisions
* Monitor global supply and demand dynamics, cost drivers, and capacity risks
* Collaborate cross functionally with operations, engineering, R&D, and finance to support manufacturing and product strategies
* Lead supplier development and innovation programs, including best cost country sourcing
* Support new product introductions by guiding supplier selection, qualification, and material strategies
* Lead, develop, and coach a global team of category managers and specialists
* Represent the category in executive forums and global sourcing councils
** What will you need to be successful?
*** 5 to 10 years of progressive experience in strategic procurement or category management, preferably within medical device manufacturing or a regulated environment
* Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, Economics, Finance, Statistics, or a related field, or equivalent experience
* Strong knowledge of direct materials and commodity driven manufacturing categories
* Demonstrated ability to think strategically and translate business strategy into sourcing outcomes
* Proven experience leading global supplier negotiations and managing complex contracts
* Strong analytical, financial, and project management skills with high learning agility
* Experience leading and developing teams in a global, matrixed environment
* Fluency in English, with additional languages preferred
* Proficiency in SAP, Ariba, and Microsoft Office
* Ability to influence, communicate effectively, and resolve conflicts across diverse stakeholder groups
* Commitment to high standards of ethics, compliance, and health, safety, and environmental practices
** You. Unlimited**.We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve.
** Inclusion and Belonging
- ** Committed to welcoming, celebrating, and thriving on inclusion and belonging. Learn more about Employee Inclusion Groups on our website.
** Your Future**: 401k Matching Program, 401k Plus Program, Discounted Stock Purchase Plan, Tuition Reimbursement  
** Work Life Balance**:
Flexible Personal and Vacation Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flex Holidays, Paid Community Service Day  
** Your Wellbeing**:
Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account with employer contribution, Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave, Fertility and Adoption Assistance Program  
** Flexibility**:
Hybrid Work Model for most professional…