Category Manager, Indirect

Job Title

Requisition

Location

Additional Locations

Job Description Summary

This role serves as a strategic business partner to functional leaders, Finance, Legal, Compliance, and the broader Global Procurement organization to drive value through strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, contract negotiations, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement initiatives. The position is responsible for identifying and executing cost reduction, cost avoidance, supplier innovation, and process optimization opportunities that support company financial and operational objectives.

The Strategic Sourcing Category Manager will work closely with Finance and business leaders to establish annual savings targets, develop category strategies, and contribute to the achievement of enterprise-wide cost management objectives. The role requires strong analytical, financial, negotiation, project management, and stakeholder management skills, along with expertise in procurement technologies, category management methodologies, supplier performance management, contract management, and spend analytics.

Job Description

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies that align with business priorities and deliver measurable value across assigned spend categories.
• Lead end-to-end strategic sourcing events, including spend analysis, market assessments, supplier qualification, RFx development, proposal evaluation, negotiations, supplier selection, and contract execution.
• Establish annual savings and value creation objectives with business stakeholders. Identify and realize cost reduction, cost avoidance, supplier innovation, and process improvement opportunities.
• Analyze market conditions, supplier capabilities, pricing trends, and competitive benchmarks to support sourcing decisions.
• Collaborate with Legal, Compliance, Finance, Information Security, and business stakeholders to execute agreements and manage supplier risk.
• Partner with suppliers and business stakeholders to identify innovation opportunities that improve patient outcomes, operational efficiency, commercial effectiveness, and business performance.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.
• Utilize procurement systems, contract lifecycle management tools, and spend analytics platforms to drive procurement excellence.

Internal Customer Relationships:

• Build trusted relationships with business stakeholders and serve as a strategic advisor on sourcing, supplier management, and procurement best practices.
• Understand business objectives, priorities, and future requirements to proactively support organizational goals.

Supplier Relationships:

• Develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships focused on performance, innovation, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement.
• Lead supplier business reviews, performance evaluations, issue resolution activities, and supplier development initiatives.
• Coordinate supplier assessments, site visits, and demonstrations as needed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Life Sciences, or Business; advanced degree preferred MBA or other advanced degree preferred.
• 7- 10+ years of progressive experience in Strategic Sourcing, Procurement, Category Management, or Supply Chain Management, preferably within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare, or other highly regulated industries.
• 4- 6 years of experience leading cross-functional teams in the development and execution of sourcing and category management strategies.
• Experience managing one or more indirect spend categories such as Commercial, Marketing, IT, Legal, Facilities, HR, Professional Services, Logistics, MRO, or Capital Projects.
• Proven ability to influence senior leaders and stakeholders, including Directors, Vice Presidents, and functional leadership teams, to align sourcing strategies with business objectives.
• Demonstrated success negotiating and managing Master Service Agreements (MSAs), Statements of Work (SOWs), Professional Services Agreements, Technology Agreements, Marketing and Agency Contracts, and other commercial agreements.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple complex projects.
• Experience utilizing procurement, contract lifecycle management (CLM), supplier management, and spend analytics platforms, including Coupa, Fairmarkit, Ariba, Ivalua, Jaggaer, SAP, IntelAgree, or similar solutions.

Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of category management and strategic sourcing methodologies, including the Seven-Step Strategic Sourcing Process.
• Knowledge of indirect procurement categories and supplier markets within the pharmaceutical or life sciences industry.
• Understanding of supplier relationship management, supplier performance management, and contract lifecycle management.
• Strong knowledge of spend analytics, total cost of ownership (TCO), and financial modeling principles.
• Understanding of commercial risk management and contract negotiation strategies.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems, procurement technologies, and reporting tools.

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to lead complex sourcing initiatives and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and effectively collaborate across all levels of the organization.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and executive communication skills.
• Ability to translate market intelligence and spend data into actionable business recommendations.
• Results-oriented with a strong continuous improvement mindset.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and related business systems.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in an office environment.
• Ability to participate in virtual and in-person meetings with internal stakeholders and suppliers.
• Periodic domestic travel required.
• Travel: 10-20%.

Scope of Authority

• Enterprise-wide indirect spend management.
• Development and execution of sourcing strategies across multiple indirect spend categories.
• Supplier selection, negotiations, contracting, and supplier performance management.
• Ownership of category strategy development and implementation.
• Accountability for delivering annual cost savings, cost avoidance, and value creation initiatives.
• Leadership of cross-functional sourcing initiatives involving Finance, Legal, Compliance, IT, Operations, Commercial, Human Resources, and other business functions.
• No direct reports.

Keenova offers employees a Total Rewards package which includes competitive pay and benefits. To learn more about our Total Rewards benefits please visit: Keenova Careers | Serve and Grow with Purpose | Keenova

The expected base pay range for this position is $111k - $178k. Please note that base pay offered may vary depending on factors including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

This position is eligible for a bonus in accordance with the terms of the applicable program. Bonuses are awarded at the Company’s discretion.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Management reserves the right to change or modify such duties as required.

At Keenova, we believe that no one should be alone in their pursuit of better health. This purpose drives us as we pair quality therapeutics with human support-showing up in big moments and small to help patients find comfort and confidence.

We bring deep expertise and resolve to every therapeutic area we serve, including immunology, urology, men’s health, orthopedics, critical care, and pediatric endocrinology. We work with patients, care partners, and physicians to help them navigate healthcare system complexity and access therapies that make a meaningful difference.

We are Keenova-keen to solve, keen to serve. Learn more at www.keenova.com.