Global Category Manager –Agency of Record

As a Global Category Manager, you will be at the forefront of developing and executing sub-category strategies within the Marketing Category. Reporting to the Marketing Procurement Lead, you will plan and lead initiatives to support a group of complex sub-categories, engaging both internal and external stakeholders. Your role is crucial in delivering against the overall category savings target, proactively managing demand, strategic sourcing requests, and supplier performance. You will also drive innovative activities to support business priorities and provide market insights and category expertise to global and regional teams. This role will fully embrace and adopt the Takeda Leadership Behaviors; Think Strategically, Inspire Others, Deliver Priorities, and Elevate Capabilities. 

• Develop and implement global sub-category strategies aligned with organizational goals, compliance standards and market dynamics.

• Lead strategic initiatives and manage a project pipeline of opportunities, including savings, productivity, risk management, technology, and innovation.

• Build trusted relationships with Marketing, Commercial, Legal, and Finance teams

• Translate business needs into procurement strategies

• Negotiate contracts to secure favorable terms, pricing, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

• Drive cost-saving initiatives through strategic sourcing, competitive bidding, vendor consolidation, and supply base management.

• Facilitate cross functional collaboration among various teams including Finance and business partners together to ensure organizational alignment 

• Engage across global and regional teams, category councils, to execute effective strategies and ensure alignment with business priorities.

• Lead cross-functional teams and mentor regional category managers to ensure consistent global execution where applicable

• Provide financial and business analysis to support decision-making and act as the focal point for category subject matter expertise.

• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with key agencies, ensuring effective communication and alignment with organizational needs.

• Lead Supplier Relationship Management initiatives, reporting on supplier performance and embracing supplier-led innovation.

• Champion values and initiatives, including supplier diversity and sustainability, across procurement and the broader business.

What We're Looking For:

• BA/BS required, MBA or Master's preferred.

• 13+ years of strategic and operational procurement experience, with extensive knowledge of category management and advanced sourcing methodologies.

• Experience in biotech/pharma or other highly regulated industries.

• Strong negotiation, leadership, and communication skills.

• Proven track record in project and risk management, stakeholder engagement, and supplier relationship management.

• Proven financial and business acumen.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation and excellence.

• Opportunity to work in a global environment with diverse stakeholders.

• Competitive salary and benefits package.

• Embrace our values of Integrity, Fairness, Honesty, and Perseverance.

• We offer a hybrid work environment, with a commitment of at least 8 days per month onsite in the Cambridge, MA office.