Global Category Manager, Meetings & Events  Services

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

Smith+Nephew is hiring a Global Category Manager, Meetings & Events Services.

In this role, you will be responsible for driving global procurement strategies within the Meetings & Events (M&E) category. You’ll collaborate closely with stakeholders in Marketing and Medical Education, ensuring value delivery, risk management, and supplier performance across a spend of approximately $50 million. This role offers the opportunity to shape global policy and lead strategic sourcing initiatives within a dynamic, high-impact environment.

What you will be doing?

• Support the creation of the M&E policy and contribute to the global category strategy for Meetings & Events.
• Manage stakeholder engagement and lead sourcing initiatives for services including event management, tradeshows, and venue bookings.
• Oversee supplier segmentation, selection, performance tracking, and contract negotiation.
• Deliver on cost savings, risk mitigation, and innovation through supplier partnerships.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with procurement policies and contract standards.
• Track supplier performance and resolve risk or quality issues in a timely manner.
• Contribute to planning activities and project execution aligned with strategic goals.
• Work closely with Travel and other category managers to explore alignment opportunities

What will you need to be successful?

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, law, or a related field; CIPS qualification preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of procurement experience, preferably in services or marketing categories.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills in a global matrix environment.
• Proven experience in contract negotiation and supplier management.
• Track record of delivering procurement value (cost, risk, quality, innovation).
• Understanding of Meetings & Events supply markets and industry trends.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Fluent in English with strong analytical and project management capabilities.

At Smith+Nephew we offer

Inclusion + Belonging: Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Diversity, Learn more about our Employee Inclusion Groups on our website 

Your Future: annual bonus, life insurance, company stock saving plan 

Work/Life Balance: paid volunteering hours, flexible approach 

Your Wellbeing: private health care with dental care package, multisport card/my benefit platform 

Flexibility: possibility of working in hybrid model 

Training: Hands-On, Team-Customized, subsidies for language classes, certifications and postgraduate studies 

Extra Perks: referral bonus, recognition program, mentoring program 

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