Global Category Manager –Agency of Record

Role Summary

Global Category Manager – Agency of Record role focused on developing and executing sub-category strategies within Marketing Procurement. Lead initiatives to support complex sub-categories, manage demand, strategic sourcing, and supplier performance, delivering against category savings targets and providing market insights to global and regional teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement global sub-category strategies aligned with organizational goals, compliance standards and market dynamics.
• Lead strategic initiatives and manage a project pipeline of opportunities, including savings, productivity, risk management, technology, and innovation.
• Build trusted relationships with Marketing, Commercial, Legal, and Finance teams.
• Translate business needs into procurement strategies.
• Negotiate contracts to secure favorable terms, pricing, and regulatory compliance.
• Drive cost-saving initiatives through strategic sourcing, competitive bidding, vendor consolidation, and supply base management.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to ensure organizational alignment.
• Engage across global and regional teams to execute effective strategies and align with business priorities.
• Lead cross-functional teams and mentor regional category managers to ensure global execution where applicable.
• Provide financial and business analysis to support decision-making and act as the category subject matter expert.
• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with key agencies, ensuring effective communication and alignment with organizational needs.
• Lead Supplier Relationship Management initiatives, reporting on supplier performance and embracing supplier-led innovation.
• Champion values and initiatives, including supplier diversity and sustainability, across procurement and the broader business.

Qualifications

• BA/BS required; MBA or Master’s preferred.
• 13+ years of strategic and operational procurement experience with extensive knowledge of category management and advanced sourcing methodologies.
• Experience in biotech/pharma or other highly regulated industries.
• Strong negotiation, leadership, and communication skills.
• Proven track record in project and risk management, stakeholder engagement, and supplier relationship management.
• Proven financial and business acumen.

Skills

• Strategic thinking
• Stakeholder management
• Negotiation and contracting
• Financial analysis
• Supplier relationship management
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Regulatory compliance knowledge

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or Master’s preferred.

Additional Requirements

• Hybrid work environment with onsite requirement in Cambridge, MA (minimum 8 days per month).