Terumo Aortic have are currently recruiting for a Category Manager to join our team. This is an exciting new role which will  help to strategically manage a specific group or category of products or services to achieve the organisations objectives. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a truly global business through an exciting time of growth and investment within the business.

The main responsibilities of the role are;

• Develop comprehensive category strategies aligned with organizational goals and objectives.
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify emerging trends, opportunities, and risks within assigned categories.
• Define clear objectives, targets, and KPIs to measure the effectiveness of category strategies.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure alignment with business requirements and objectives.
• Identify and qualify potential suppliers through rigorous evaluation processes.
• Collaborate with suppliers to drive innovation, continuous improvement, and value-added initiatives.
• Lead contract negotiations with suppliers to secure favourable pricing, terms, and conditions.
• Review and analyse contract terms to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor contract performance and address any issues or discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Identify opportunities for cost optimization and savings within assigned categories.
• Develop and implement strategies to reduce procurement costs while maintaining quality and service levels.
• Track and report cost savings achieved through negotiation, consolidation, and process improvements.
• Conduct risk assessments to identify potential threats to the supply chain, such as supplier instability, geopolitical factors, or regulatory changes.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans to minimize the impact of identified risks.
• Monitor and evaluate supplier performance to ensure adherence to contractual obligations and quality standards.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including operations, finance, marketing, and legal teams, to align procurement strategies with business requirements.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders to gather input, provide updates, and address concerns related to category management activities.
• Travel for supplier visits and conferences as required.

The successful candidate will possess;

• Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, procurement, or a related field. (CIPS preferred)
• Three to five years proven experience in procurement, category management, or strategic sourcing roles, with a focus on developing and implementing category strategies in a regulated environment is preferred.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, conduct market research, and identify insights to inform decision-making.
• Excellent negotiation and contract management skills, with a track record of achieving cost savings and driving value through supplier relationships.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally and build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in procurement software and tools, such as e-sourcing platforms, contract management systems, and spend analysis tools.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.