Global Category Manager - CRO (Director)

Role Summary

The Global Category Manager CRO leads strategic sourcing and procurement for CRO services with greater than $600M annual spend for Clinical Development across Takeda. Develops and implements global category strategies, manages supplier relationships, and drives cost-saving initiatives while ensuring quality and compliance. Collaborates with cross-functional teams including R&D, procurement, quality assurance, and finance to align category strategies with business objectives. Location: Cambridge, MA (hybrid role with on-site expectations).

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 requirements and ensure timely 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 KPIs
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance category performance
• Address and resolve issues related to supplier performance
• Mentor and develop a global team of procurement professionals; provide guidance and training to cross-functional team members
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence within the team

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, or a related field. Master’s 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: develop long-term category strategies aligned with business objectives
• Analytical Skills: analyze market trends, financial data, and supplier performance
• Negotiation Skills: contract negotiation and supplier relationship management
• Leadership: leading and developing high-performing teams
• Communication and Presentations: articulate, influential communication at all levels
• Problem-Solving: continuous improvement focus
• Project Management: manage multiple projects and initiatives
• Collaboration: work across RDP teams and Procurement to foster relationships
• Ability to deal with Ambiguity and remain calm under pressure
• Conflict Management: navigate conflicts constructively
• Planning and Prioritization: focus on critical tasks and effective time management
• Drive for Results
• Self-Development: committed to ongoing skill enhancement

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.