Global Category Manager - CRO (Director)

Role: Lead strategic sourcing and procurement for CRO services at Takeda, managing over $600M annual spend to optimize quality, cost, and compliance for clinical development. Responsibilities: develop global category strategies, manage supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, lead sourcing initiatives, and oversee financial performance. Collaborate closely with R&D, procurement, quality assurance, and finance teams across regions, ensuring alignment with business objectives. Lead performance management and continuous improvement efforts, while mentoring a global procurement team. Qualifications: bachelor’s in supply chain, business, or related field; master’s preferred; minimum 13 years’ experience in pharmaceutical procurement or category management, with expertise in clinical development sourcing. Strong negotiation, supplier management, analytical, and strategic skills required; certifications like CPSM or CPSD preferred. High-Value Details: focus on CRO services for clinical development, with responsibilities spanning supplier evaluation, contract negotiations, and compliance; based in Cambridge, MA with hybrid onsite work (8+ days/month). Strong leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and vendor relationship skills are essential, with knowledge of industry standards and procurement tools such as SAP, Ariba, and Cirtuo.