Category Manager

Responsible for managing all strategic sourcing activities for assigned categories in accordance with the prescribed purchasing regulations, processes, and procedures. Vet new suppliers and manage current supplier base through evaluating and minimizing supplier risk, lead contract negotiations, and serve as the liaison between supplier and organization. Manage sourcing projects during supplier assessment, negotiation, and award phases. Assist in the Quality Management System (QMS) audits/site supplier visits to ensure the relationship between both companies will meet bioMérieux’s capacity requirements, cost expectations, and quality standards.

Primary Duties

• Perform all work in compliance with company policy and within the guidelines of bioMérieux’s Quality System. Adhere to Regulatory requirements, including FDA, ISO, Legal, Ethical, and bioMérieux-specific procedures.
• Source a variety of materials, equipment, and services in accordance with prescribed purchasing regulations and procedures.
• In collaboration with Legal, prepare and lead supplier price, contract, and long-term agreement negotiations.
• Design, lead, and implement cost savings projects based on a structured project/savings roadmap.
• Manage Global Suppliers (Including tier 2) within his/her scope: contracts, CSR, Performance, risk management, safety, and business review.
• Monitor and measure supplier performance per Purchasing Cost Avoidance Plans (PCAP) to ensure the company is receiving fair market pricing by utilizing appropriate trends and reporting tools.
• Build supplier relationships through frequent and effective communication of business, quality, and cost by interacting with current suppliers, consistently seeking opportunities to improve those partnerships to ensure a long-term positive relationship, and continuing to seek out supplier talent for future opportunities.
• Effectively resolve disputes, hold crucial conversations, and recommend solutions to identify the root cause and correct problems as needed.
• Facilitate Suppliers’ Business Reviews in collecting and preparing for each review.
• Manage quality compliance for procurement (suppliers qualification, Suppliers Steering Committee, Audits, …)
• Support Procurement Roadmap deployment: CSR, digitalization, Continuous Improvement, Innovation,…
• Perform all work in compliance with company quality procedures and standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Education, Training and Experience

• Bachelor degree required in Procurement, Purchasing, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or Operations with 5 years of experience in a procurement category manager role or as a buyer
  • OR HS Diploma/GED with 9 years of experience in a procurement category manager role or as a buyer
  • Including experience developing and implementing a category-sourcing strategy required.

Preferred Education, Training and Experience

• 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, Skills, and Abilities (KSA’s)

• 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
• Skilled in MS Office tools to include but not limited to Outlook, Teams, Word, and Excel (Advanced: demonstrates deep knowledge; manages complex tasks and integrates multiple tools independently)
• 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.

Domestic travel required: 0.1%, International travel required: 0.05%

The estimated salary range for this role based in North Carolina is between $89,100 – 144,000. 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