Global Category Manager - CRO (Director)
Business DevelopmentBachelor RequiredExecutive Director
The Global Category Management for Contract Research Organizations (CRO) is responsible for leading the strategic sourcing and procurement activities for all CRO services with greater than 600 Million USD annual spend, required for Clinical Development across Takeda.
This role involves developing and implementing global category strategies, managing supplier relationships, and driving cost-saving initiatives while ensuring the highest standards of quality and compliance. The incumbent will collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D, procurement, quality assurance, and finance to align category strategies with business objectives.
Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
Preferred ISM (Institute of Supplier Management) Certifications:
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.
Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop long-term category strategies aligned with business objectives. Sees ahead clearly and anticipates future consequences and trends accurately.
Analytical Skills: Strong capability to analyze market trends, financial data, and supplier performance.
Negotiation Skills: Expertise in negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships.
Leadership: Proven track record of leading and developing high-performing teams.
Communication and Presentations: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels and be comfortable around higher management.
Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on continuous improvement.
Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously.
Collaboration: Ability to work across the RDP (R&D Procurement) teams as well with all Procurement colleagues, business partners to foster positive, enduring business relationships with compassion
Ability to deal with Ambiguity and remain calm under pressure.
Conflict Management: Steps up to conflicts, seeing them as opportunities; reads the room and the situation quickly and focuses on listening.
Planning and Prioritization: Accurately scopes out length and difficulty of tasks and projects; spends time on what’s important and zeros in on the few critical tasks at hand. Manages time effectively.
Drive for Results
Self-Development: Personally committed to and actively works to continuously improve their skillset
We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. We are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices.
Cambridge, MA
$177,000.00 - $278,080.00
The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location.
U.S. based employees may be eligible for short-term and/or long-term incentives. U.S. based employees may be eligible to participate in medical, dental, vision insurance, a 401(k) plan and company match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, a tuition reimbursement program, paid volunteer time off, company holidays, and well-being benefits, among others. U.S. based employees are also eligible to receive, per calendar year, up to 80 hours of sick time, and new hires are eligible to accrue up to 120 hours of paid vacation.
Takeda is proud in its commitment to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, genetic information or characteristics, marital status, status as a Vietnam era veteran, special disabled veteran, or other protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, and any other characteristic protected by law.
Takeda is an industry-leading, global pharmaceutical company with an unwavering dedication to putting patients at the center of everything we do. We live our values of Takeda-ism – Integrity, Fairness, Honesty, and Perseverance – and are united by our mission to strive towards Better Health and a Brighter Future for people worldwide through leading innovation in medicine.
Here, everyone matters and you will be a vital contributor to our inspiring, bold mission. At Takeda, you will make an impact on people’s lives – including your own.
Takeda is an equal opportunity employer.
For applicants of U.S and Puerto Rico positions: Click here to learn about our commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). If you are limited in the ability to use our job application tool, or otherwise require a reasonable accommodation for a disability please click here.