Category Manager
We enable better, smarter, safer healthcare to improve lives. As a new company with a long legacy of creating breakthrough solutions for our customers' toughest challenges, we pioneer game-changing innovations at the intersection of health, material and data science that change patients' lives for the better while enabling healthcare professionals to perform at their best.
The Category Manager will have the opportunity to tap into their curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative and diverse people around the world. Here, they will make an impact by:
Key Responsibilities:
* Manages and partners with suppliers to develop business relationships that deliver effective operational control to agreed performance levels (service, cost, quality and working capital) via contractual agreements, periodic business reviews and scorecards.
* Identifies, leads & implements solutions to complex and multi-faceted situations regarding dual-sourcing, negotiation, category strategy, supplier management, and external sources of supply.
* Engages with key affiliates within Solventum [Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Finance, Business team, Regulatory, etc.] to ensure timely issue resolution and completion of business projects.
* Develops continuous supply chain improvement practices to support the continued focus on delivering improved value and performance levels (e.g. lead time reductions, increasing supply chain agility, capacity availability, cost reductions, risk assessments/risk mitigations, etc).
They engage and lead (as needed): RFP/RFQ process, contract negotiations, benchmarking activities, make vs buy reviews/decisions, total cost analysis, supply chain mapping, etc. Actively supports New Product Introduction initiatives, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) and compliance projects.
Requirements:
* Minimum 7 years' experience in a third-party supply chain management environment.
* Demonstrated experience in managing & developing supplier relationships including contract negotiation.
* Bachelor's degree in business, Procurement, Supply Chain Management or related discipline.
* Strong leadership, decision-making, problem-solving and negotiation skills to include, demonstrated success in resolving complex supply chain related issues with multiple stakeholders and win-win outcomes, when possible.
* Experience in Sourcing, especially with managing contract manufacturers.
* Excellent interpersonal, communication and team leader/member skills at all levels of the organization.
* Working knowledge of Quality Systems (FDA/ISO) within a regulated environment and an ERP/ASCP system (SAP-preferred).
* High understanding of Supply Chain Finance (strong Financial acumen), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), product validation requirements and Regulatory expectations.
* Experience successfully collaborating with internal and external stakeholders on complex projects.
What We Offer:
* A competitive salary: $120,000 - $180,000 per year.
* A hybrid work environment with opportunities for remote work and travel.
* A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
* A generous 401(k) matching program.
* Ongoing training and development opportunities.
About Solventum:
Solventum is a leading provider of innovative healthcare solutions. We are committed to improving lives through better, smarter, safer healthcare. Our company values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we strive to create a workplace that is welcoming and inclusive for all employees.