Category Specialist

Category Specialist

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.

The Category Specialist will have day-to-day responsibility for supplier management within the Instruments & Fabrication team. The incumbent will perform RFQ’s using procurement tools and procedures, lead sourcing decisions within the area assigned, support the NPD process, implement supplier/part strategies, and monitor supplier performance. The incumbent will work closely with the Category Leader, the Tiger Teams, and various other functions within the company Global Ops manufacturing. The incumbent will be required to provide supplier guidance to ensure consistency of best practices, supplier compliance, and pricing, and delivery requirements

What will you be doing?

• Ability to evaluate and approve suppliers, direct supplier strategy and negotiate complex contracts for procurement of assigned commodities and ensure alignment with the department goals, initiatives, roles and responsibilities. Participates in Supplier Review process by collecting and analyzing data regarding identified supplier performance measures.
• Manage projects and supplier relationships effectively while implementing programs that drive performance (QCDD) and mitigate risk. Responds to internal and external audit findings related to supplier management.
• Ability to lead cross-functional business activities that identify, qualify, negotiate and successfully implement new suppliers or manufacturing process in order to ensure surety of supply, cost savings and business profitability.
• Understand cost, cost planning, and analysis and identifies and develops cost reduction strategies to ensure cost targets are achieved while mitigating supplier risk.
• Understand parts, processes and suppliers of assigned commodities and be able to evaluate and support supplier/part strategies and ensure the successful implementation into the New Product Launches. Researches and monitors industry trends (sourcing, technology, market price).
• Communicates effectively with all levels of management and suppliers both verbally and in writing.
• Works with a sense of urgency, following up regularly to verify manufacturing needs and goals are met/exceeded.
• Negotiates for highly complex, expensive or critical materials, equipment or services affecting assigned segments of the business utilizing a high value-adding strategic methodology.

What will you need to be successful?

Education: Bachelor’s degree required

Experience:

• 2-3 years of direct procurement experience. Relevant supplier interaction experience.

Travel Requirements: 10-20%

You. Unlimited.

We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve.

• Inclusion, Diversity and Equity- Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Diversity, Learn more about Employee Inclusion Groups on our website (https://www.smith-nephew.com/

• Your Future: 401k Matching Program, 401k Plus Program, Discounted Stock Options, Tuition Reimbursement
• Work/Life Balance: Flexible Personal/Vacation Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flex Holidays, Paid Community Service Day
• Your Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account (Employer Contribution of $500+ annually), Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave, Fertility and Adoption Assistance Program
• Flexibility: Hybrid Work Model (For most professional roles)

• Training: Hands-On, Team-Customized, Mentorship
• Extra Perks: Discounts on fitness clubs, travel and more!

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Smith+Nephew provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.