Global Category Manager - CRO

Role Summary

Global Category Manager CRO. The Global Category Management for Contract Research Organizations (CRO) is responsible for leading the strategic sourcing and procurement activities for all CRO services with greater than 600 Million USD annual spend, required for Clinical Development across Takeda. This role involves developing and implementing global category strategies, managing supplier relationships, and driving cost-saving initiatives while ensuring the highest standards of quality and compliance. The incumbent will collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D, procurement, quality assurance, and finance to align category strategies with business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive global category strategies for Takeda CRO services.
• Conduct market analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and risks.
• Align category strategies with overall business goals and Takeda objectives across functions and regions.
• Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers for CRO services.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure reliability, quality, and innovation.
• Negotiate contracts, terms, and conditions with suppliers to achieve optimal pricing and service levels.
• Track, manage, and improve SRM in designated tools and technologies.
• Lead global sourcing initiatives to drive cost savings and value creation.
• Implement best practices in procurement processes, including RFIs, RFPs, and RFQs.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and quality standards.
• Develop and manage the annual demand plan with the business for CRO
• Track and report on cost savings and financial performance of the category.
• Collaborate with finance teams to forecast and manage spend.
• Work closely with Takeda teams across geographies and functions to understand their requirements and ensure timely and effective procurement of CRO services.
• Partner with Procurement colleagues to find value opportunities and ensure compliance to sourcing strategies.
• Coordinate with R&D GCMs to optimize sourcing strategies.
• Monitor and evaluate supplier performance using key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance category performance.
• Address and resolve any issues related to supplier performance.
• Mentor and develop a global team of procurement professionals.
• Provide mentorship, guidance, and training to cross functional team members.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence within the team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor‚Äôs degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, or a related field. Master‚Äôs degree preferred.
• Preferred ISM Certifications
  • CPSM Certified Professional in Supply Management
  • CPSD Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity
• Minimum of 13 years of experience in procurement, category management, or supply chain management, with a focus on Clinical Development in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing global category strategies within complex and business critical areas.
• Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management skills.
• Excellent analytical, financial, and strategic thinking abilities.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a global, cross-functional environment.
• Knowledge of industry regulations and quality standards
• Proficiency in procurement software and tools such as Cirtuo, Ariba and SAP.

Skills

• Strategic Thinking
• Analytical Skills
• Negotiation Skills
• Leadership
• Communication and Presentations
• Problem-Solving
• Project Management
• Collaboration
• Ability to deal with Ambiguity
• Conflict Management
• Planning and Prioritization
• Drive for Results
• Self-Development

Education

• As listed under Qualifications

Additional Requirements

• Location: Cambridge, MA. This is a hybrid role with in-office expectations of at least 8 days per month. Candidates must be locally based within a reasonable commute to Takeda's Cambridge, MA offices.