Category Manager

As a Category Manager with a Global Healthcare Organisation; you will have the opportunity to leverage your expertise and collaborate with innovative and diverse professionals worldwide using the latest systems. This role can be fulfilled fully remote or in Office in Athlone if preferred. Category Manager Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage supplier relationships to ensure operational performance meets agreed levels in areas such as service, cost, quality, and working capital, using contractual agreements, periodic reviews, and scorecards.
• Lead and implement solutions for complex challenges, including dual-sourcing, negotiations, category strategies, supplier management, and sourcing from external suppliers.
• Collaborate with key internal stakeholders (e.g., Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Finance, Business Teams, and Regulatory departments) to resolve issues and ensure the successful completion of business projects.
• Drive continuous improvements in supply chain processes to enhance performance, including lead time reduction, supply chain agility, capacity availability, cost reduction, and risk mitigation.
• Oversee and lead activities such as RFP/RFQ processes, contract negotiations, benchmarking, make-vs-buy decisions, total cost analysis, and supply chain mapping.
• Support New Product Introduction initiatives and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) and compliance projects.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in third-party supply chain management.
• Proven expertise in managing and developing supplier relationships, including contract negotiation.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Procurement, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.

• Strong leadership, decision-making, problem-solving, and negotiation skills, with a track record of resolving complex supply chain issues in collaboration with multiple stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in sourcing, particularly managing contract manufacturers.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively as both a leader and a team member across all organizational levels.
• Working knowledge of Quality Systems (FDA/ISO), ERP/ASCP systems (preferably SAP), and regulatory requirements in a regulated environment.
• Strong financial acumen and understanding of supply chain finance, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), product validation processes, and regulatory expectations.
• Experience managing complex projects in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

• 10-15 % domestic and international travel.