Category Manager

Responsible for leading strategic sourcing activities for assigned categories, including Optics & Photonics, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) electronics, and secondary packaging supporting instrument manufacturing in St. Louis. Ensures compliance with purchasing policies, processes, and regulatory requirements while driving cost, quality, supply continuity, and risk management objectives. Identifies, evaluates, and qualifies new suppliers, and oversees supplier performance through risk assessment, rationalization, contract negotiation, and relationship management. Leads sourcing projects through supplier assessment, negotiation, and award phases, serving as the primary liaison between suppliers and internal stakeholders. Supports Quality Management System (QMS) audits and supplier site visits to ensure supplier capabilities align with bioMérieux’s capacity, cost, quality, and performance requirements. Partners with suppliers to advance bioMérieux’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, including EcoVadis and Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) commitments.

Primary Duties

1. Lead sourcing activities for assigned categories and components in compliance with procurement policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

2. Support product lifecycle and obsolescence management by partnering with Engineering to identify, evaluate, and source alternate components, including managing Last Time Buy (LTB) opportunities when necessary.

3. Identify and execute cost reduction and value improvement initiatives through market analysis, supplier negotiations, and ongoing supplier performance management.

4. Develop and implement category strategies that align with business objectives while ensuring supply continuity, quality, cost competitiveness, and regulatory compliance.

5. Collaborate with Legal, Manufacturing, Marketing, and Engineering teams to prepare for and lead supplier pricing, contract, and long-term agreement negotiations.

6. Manage global supplier relationships, including Tier 2 suppliers, overseeing contracts, supplier performance, risk management, business continuity, safety, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

7. Monitor supplier performance, market conditions, and pricing trends to ensure competitive pricing and optimal value using appropriate benchmarking and reporting tools.

8. Build and maintain strong supplier partnerships through effective communication, performance reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives that support long-term business objectives.

9. Resolve supplier-related issues by facilitating constructive discussions, identifying root causes, and implementing sustainable corrective actions.

10. Coordinate and facilitate Supplier Business Reviews (SBRs), including data collection, performance analysis, and preparation of review materials.

11. Ensure supplier quality compliance by supporting supplier qualification activities, Supplier Steering Committees, audits, and ongoing quality management processes.

12. Support Procurement Roadmap deployment: CSR, digitalization, Continuous Improvement, Innovation,…

13. Partner with Engineering and Manufacturing teams to drive Procurement Collaborative Action Plan (PCAP) initiatives that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance supply chain performance.

14. Foster collaboration and best-practice sharing with instrument procurement teams in Salt Lake City and Italy to leverage synergies and procurement efficiencies.

15. Perform all work in compliance with company quality procedures and standards.

16. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Education, Training and Experience

• Bachelor degree required. 
• 5 years of experience in procurement, category manager or buyer role with experience developing and implementing a category-sourcing strategy. 

Preferred Education, Training and Experience

• Bachelors degree in Procurement, Purchasing, Business Administration, Engineering or Operations preferred
• Experience in negotiations (contracts, pricing, lead times)
• Cross-cultural and international experience
• Supplier relationship management
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (active listening, collaboration, ability to influence, etc.)
• Knowledge of SAP or another ERP is a plus

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Consistently upholds and reflects the core ethical principles and values that bioMérieux promotes.
• Effective Presentation Skills - including the ability to present technical data
• Demonstrates assertiveness and confidence in the face of a challenge
• Flexibility, being highly adaptable and resilient to thrive in a dynamic work environment.
• Easily accessible and open to communication
• Ability to work cross-functionally allowing for better collaboration and communication when working across teams to achieve shared objectives
• Driving continuous improvement by evaluating processes and implementing necessary changes
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (active listening, collaboration, ability to influence, etc.)
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

Working Conditions

• Domestic travel required: 25%
• International travel required: 5%
• Total travel required: 30%

The estimated salary range for this role based in Missouri is between $92,300 – $138,400. This role is eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and individual performance per bioMerieux’s bonus program. This range may differ from ranges offered for similar positions elsewhere in the country given differences in cost of living. Actual compensation within this range is determined based on the successful candidate’s experience and will be presented in writing at the time of the offer. 

In addition, bioMérieux offers a competitive Total Rewards package that may include: 

·        A choice of medical (including prescription), dental, and vision plans providing nationwide coverage and telemedicine options 

·        Company-Provided Life and Accidental Death Insurance 

·        Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance 

·        Retirement Plan including a generous non-discretionary employer contribution and employer match. 

·        Adoption Assistance 

·        Wellness Programs 

·        Employee Assistance Program 

·        Commuter Benefits 

·        Various voluntary benefit offerings 

·        Discount programs 

·        Parental leaves 

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Salary : $92,300 - $138,400