Category Manager - Media

Job Description

SCOPE

The Regional Category Manager is responsible for the execution of the sub-category strategy in the region. The Regional Category Manager (RCM) plans and leads category initiatives in a defined region and develops and implements regional category strategies for market-facing spend categories as part of the wider Category Strategy. The RCM leads proactive category projects to support the delivery of regional procurement targets, spanning sourcing projects, demand management and process re-engineering, as well as managing region-specific supplier performance and innovation activities and will report to the Marketing Procurement Lead.

Their primary responsibility will be ensuring that the category strategy is realized through day-to-day buying activity including buying channel content creation and hands-on delivery support for business buyers.

The Regional Category Manager will be responsible for ensuring that all U.S. expenditure within the sub-category is in alignment with global category strategy, maximizes the utilization of preferred suppliers, and aligns with MSAs and expected contractual terms. They will do this by working between suppliers and the business to capture maximum value for Takeda on purchases, enabled by best practice buying channels, optimum systems and process enablement, procurement buying content, and resulting contractual documentation. The position is responsible for providing financial and business analysis (e.g., Data mining of Procurement & Financial Systems, output analysis & interpretation), supporting regional specific market intelligence in the category area and acting as the focal point for category subject matter expertise to the regional business and procurement community.

In addition, they will have full responsibility for all Statements of Work in the sub-category over a threshold in value, including the authoring thereof where required, and will be responsible for attesting to the appropriate business governance forums that each of these statements of work represents the best possible value for Takeda. In doing so they will have a deep understanding of day-to-day buying best practice, strong stakeholder and supplier engagement skills, and exceptional negotiation ability. Through the application of rigorous Category Management tools, systems, and techniques, the RCM will deliver business value (operational and financial) in line with the agreed functional and business goals. In addition, they will take personal ownership of large and/or complex arrangements and provide subject matter expertise for other supply and commercial arrangements as required.

Success in the role will be measured by US region KPIs, including but not limited to customer satisfaction, savings delivery, and cycle time targets.

This role will fully embrace and adopt the Takeda Leadership Behaviors and will confidently live our values every day (Integrity, Fairness, Honesty, and Perseverance).

RESPONSIBILITIES

Procurement Excellence

• Lead the translation of the relevant sub-category strategy(s) into day-to-day buying activity through the development and maintenance of best practice buying channels, procurement content (pricing, terms, service catalogs, buying guides, etc.)

• Partner with budget holders and buyers within the region’s business to ensure a frictionless, rapid, and effective day-to-day buying experience.

• Lead the creation of statements of work to ensure best possible terms, clarity of deliverables, and maximum value for Takeda, including making representations to business unit leadership that each statement of work is of the expected Takeda standard.

• Work with suppliers to drive high-quality statements of work through the creation of templates and standard ways of working.

• Responsible for the realization of savings on each day-to-day buy through the effective application of rates, appropriate demand management techniques, and where applicable negotiation with suppliers.

• Deliver contract negotiations on behalf of Takeda to secure favorable terms, pricing and statements of work, while ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

• Lead and facilitate discussions between category leadership, Global Procurement Centre of Excellence, Takeda Business Services (TBS), Legal Operations, Finance, IT, and other relevant stakeholders to drive process and systems improvements that create a better day-to-day buying experience for stakeholders and improves value realization by Takeda.

• Provide regular feedback to category managers on operational buying trends, leveraging all available data, to inform category strategy adjustments.

• Monitor supplier performance and escalate issues as required, or resolve wherever possible.

Category Management

• Support the development and implementation of the Category strategy at sub-category levels under the leadership of the Global Category Manager in alignment with organizational objectives, market dynamics and internal stakeholder needs.

• Support strategic initiatives within the relevant sub-category (i.e., Category Councils, engagement guidelines, cash flow initiatives, risk management, etc.) ensuring alignment between operational buying activities and the wider category plan.

• Support risk identification and mitigation processes to ensure minimal impact to Takeda business processes and reputation.

• Support Supplier Relationship Management initiatives across the strategic supply base, reporting on supplier performance, embracing supplier-led innovation (where appropriate), issuing constructive feedback and ensuring that any supplier performance risks and issues are resolved on a timely basis to end-user satisfaction.

• Champion GREFP values and initiatives including supplier diversity and sustainability across procurement, supporting functions and the wider Takeda business.

Other Activities

• Help to socialize procurement and category management best practices within the business (i.e., increased utilization of preferred suppliers, SoW optimization and the use of BuyEasy@Takeda, etc.) in partnership with the Procurement Lead and Global Category Manager.

• Collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders, including business partners, Procurement CoE, Finance, and Takeda Business Solutions to ensure alignment.

• Clearly demonstrate, actively coach, and encourage the team to adopt and embrace the Takeda Leadership Behaviors (Think Strategically, Inspire others, Deliver Priorities, Elevate Capabilities).

• Foster a climate that inspires, enables, encourages open dialogue, feedback and diverse opinions.

• Promote collaboration, trust, and respect among team members and the wider Takeda business.

• Ensure compliance with Takeda training requirements.

CAPABILITIES

• Strategic thinking (with the ability to multi-task, think critically, and prioritize).

• Savings delivery from the deployment of multiple levers – demand and supply-side.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.

• Superior customer service and relationship-building skills, and business partnering abilities.

• Superior negotiation experience and expert Statement of Work preparation.

• Market and supplier knowledge.

• Punctuality, accuracy, and the ability to meet deadlines.

• Strong attention to detail.

• Proficiency with Ariba and MSOffice Suite.

EXPERIENCE

• BA or BS required.

• 11+ years in category management and/or procurement experience with in-depth knowledge of strategic sourcing, savings delivery, etc. and all relevant systems including Ariba, Link, SAP, etc.

• Strong sub-category expertise and proven sourcing track record.

• Experience working in a complex environment.

• Exceptionally skilled at stakeholder management.

• Strong and proven negotiation and communication skills.

• Proven financial and business acumen.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This is a hybrid role with in-office expectations of at least 10+ days per month. A strong onsite presence is necessary, candidates must be locally based within a reasonable commute to Takeda's Cambridge, MA offices.

• No business travel will be required.

MORE ABOUT US

At Takeda, we are transforming patient care through the development of novel specialty pharmaceuticals and best-in-class patient support programs. Takeda is a patient-focused company that will inspire and empower you to grow through life-changing work.

Certified as a Global Top Employer, Takeda offers stimulating careers, encourages innovation, and strives for excellence in everything we do. We foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace, in which our teams are united by an unwavering commitment to delivering Better Health and a Brighter Future to people around the world.