Global Category Manager, Fleet / Utilities

Role Summary

Global Category Manager, Fleet / Utilities, responsible for leading category management and strategy execution across sub-categories, with focus on Fleet and Utilities. Develop and implement procurement strategies, manage supplier relationships, drive cost savings, and support ESG and sustainability objectives within Takeda’s Real Estate, Facilities, and Energy programs. Collaborate with global and regional teams to translate category strategies into day-to-day buying activities and ensure alignment with regional/global requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of the Category strategy at sub-category levels with support of the Procurement lead in alignment with organizational objectives, market dynamics and internal stakeholder needs
• Build trusted relationships with stakeholders within Global Real Estate and Facilities Organization and Fleet Center of Excellence
• Provide sub-category input to inform wider category and Procurement targets and deliver sub-category savings targets
• Develop and manage a project pipeline of initiatives and opportunities (savings, productivity, risk management, technology, innovation) using benchmarking data and SME input
• Lead strategic sub-category initiatives (Category Councils, engagement guidelines, cash flow initiatives, risk management) ensuring alignment with regional/global requirements
• Lead interactions with Regional Category Managers to align category plans and support regional activities
• Collaborate with global/regional Procurement, Takeda Business Services, Legal and other functions to execute effective category strategies including buying channels and negotiation strategies
• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with suppliers, ensuring effective communication and alignment with organizational needs
• Accountable for contract negotiations to secure favorable terms, pricing, and SLAs, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
• Drive cost savings through strategic sourcing, bidding, vendor consolidation, and supply base management
• Lead Supplier Relationship Management across the strategic supply base, monitor performance, manage supplier-led innovation, and resolve issues promptly
• Champion Global Procurement values and sustainability initiatives across procurement and the wider Takeda business

Category-Specific Responsibilities (Fleet)

• Lead fleet sustainability initiatives (electrification, hybridization, eco-driving, carbon footprint reduction) aligned with environmental goals; conduct country EV readiness assessments
• Manage relationships with fleet management providers, including contract negotiation, SLAs, and process improvements
• Drive vendor consolidation and standardization of fleet vehicles/services to simplify management, leverage global scale, and reduce costs

Category-Specific Responsibilities (Utilities)

• Analyze global energy/utility consumption across real estate portfolio to identify cost and sustainability opportunities
• Develop and execute global energy procurement strategies, including renewables (PPAs, green power, RECs)
• Manage relationships with energy suppliers, brokers, and sustainability consultants
• Monitor regulatory changes related to energy purchasing, emissions, and deregulation
• Support initiatives to reduce carbon footprint and utility expenses, aligning with ESG objectives
• Oversee energy risk management (hedging, contract structuring, price reviews) to mitigate price volatility

Procurement Excellence

• Translate sub-category strategy into day-to-day buying activity; develop best-practice buying channels, pricing, terms, catalogs, and guides
• Partner with regional budget holders to ensure smooth day-to-day buying experience
• Develop templates and standard ways of working to drive high-quality statements of work
• Lead discussions with stakeholders to drive process and systems improvements and improve value realization
• Provide regular feedback on buying trends to inform strategy adjustments

Other activities

• Socialize procurement and category management best practices; promote use of preferred suppliers and optimized SOWs
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment
• Promote collaboration, trust and respect within the team and broader organization

Capabilities

• Strategic thinking; multi-tasking, critical thinking, prioritization
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
• Strong relationship-building and business partnering abilities
• Category strategy creation and execution
• Operational buying experience in the category
• Market and supplier knowledge
• Timeliness, accuracy, and meeting deadlines
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

Experience

• BA or BS required; MBA or Master‚Äôs with Supply Chain/Procurement emphasis preferred
• 10+ years in strategic and operational procurement with deep knowledge of category management and advanced sourcing
• Experience in biotech/pharma or highly regulated industries; international matrixed organizations preferred
• Deep knowledge of Category Management, Operational Buying, and Supplier Relationship Management
• Strong sub-category expertise and proven sourcing track record
• Exceptional stakeholder management, project and risk management
• Strong negotiation, leadership, and communication skills
• Proven financial and business acumen

Additional Information

• Some business travel may be required
• Hybrid work environment with at least 8 onsite days per month in the Cambridge, MA office