Category Manager - R&D and Electro-Mechanical

Category Manager - R&D and Electro-Mechanical

Job Location:

Bothell, Washington, USA

Job

Requisition

Join our global diversified pharmaceutical company enriching lives through our relentless drive to deliver better health outcomes to our patients. We are all in it together to make a difference. Be a part of a culture that doesn't just wait for change but actively creates it-where your skills and values drive our collective progress and impact.

The Category Manager - R&D and Electro-Mechanical is responsible for providing strategic sourcing and category management leadership in support of New Product Introduction (NPI) and Research & Development (R&D) activities. This role ensures early supplier engagement, disciplined supplier selection, and best‑in‑class procurement practices that directly influence cost, quality, supply continuity, and manufacturability throughout the product lifecycle.

The position manages high‑value, technically complex direct spend across electro‑mechanical components, electronics, raw materials, injection molding, and R&D services. Acting as the sourcing lead during early design phases, the Category Manager drives optimal cost of goods sold (COGS), mitigates supply risk, and enables a seamless transition from development to production manufacturing.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

_The following responsibilities are representative but not all‑inclusive._

** New Product Introduction (NPI) & Early Development Sourcing*
* + Lead sourcing strategy development for NPI and R&D programs to ensure best‑value supply solutions over the full product lifecycle.

+ Drive early supplier involvement activities to influence design for cost, quality, manufacturability, and supply continuity.

+ Partner with R&D Engineers and Program Managers to align sourcing strategies with program timelines, technical requirements, and cost targets.

+ Serve as the primary procurement interface for assigned NPI programs, attending project reviews and material readiness meetings as required.

+ Ensure successful transition of sourced components and suppliers from R&D into Production Procurement.

** Category Management & Strategic Sourcing*
* + Own and execute category strategies for high‑spend electro‑mechanical direct categories, including electronics, raw materials, injection molding, and other critical manufacturing technologies.

+ Conduct competitive sourcing events (RFQs/RFPs), supplier negotiations, and cost analyses for high‑value and technically complex spend.

+ Develop deep understanding of category cost drivers, supplier economics, and market dynamics to optimize total cost of ownership.

+ Establish and manage preferred supplier strategies aligned with long‑term business, technology, and risk objectives.

** Supplier Management & Risk Mitigation*
* + Cultivate and manage strategic supplier relationships to support innovation, scalability, and performance excellence.

+ Lead supplier assessments and support supplier qualification activities in collaboration with Quality, Engineering, and Finance.

+ Identify supply risks and proactively develop mitigation strategies, including alternate sourcing and technology roadmaps.

+ Support continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers focused on cost, quality, delivery, and service performance.

** Cost Management & Financial Analysis*
* + Drive strategic cost reduction and cost avoidance initiatives through sourcing strategies, negotiations, and design‑for‑cost opportunities.

+ Develop and maintain costed Bills of Material (BOMs) during prototype and pre‑production phases.

+ Perform financial analysis, scenario modeling, and "what‑if" assessments to support sourcing decisions and business cases.

+ Monitor and report key financial metrics related to NPI and R&D/direct spend as required.

** Cross‑Functional Collaboration*
* + Partner closely with Production Buyers, Planners, Engineering, Quality, Finance, and Program Management to ensure alignment across the product lifecycle.

+ Support compliance with FDA, ISO, and internal quality system requirements related to supplier selection and management.

+ Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of procurement processes,…