Position Title: Category Manager, Indirect Procurement
Location: Aachen, Germany
Flexible work environment (typically 3 days per week onsite)
Overview
A leading global medical device organization focused on circulatory and respiratory support technologies is seeking a Category Manager, Indirect Procurement (EMEA). The company operates in most global markets, generates more than $2 billion in revenue, and continues to experience strong growth. Annual indirect spend in support of the business exceeds $600 million across multiple categories.
This role will be responsible for optimizing spend performance and managing supplier relationships across defined indirect categories within the EMEA region. Operating within a highly regulated medical device environment, the Category Manager will lead and/or support the development of sourcing strategies and supplier management plans under the guidance of the Director, Indirect Procurement.
The position is accountable for delivering results in cost optimization, supplier quality, service levels, risk mitigation, and compliance. This role requires deep engagement with internal stakeholders—including R&D, professional services, sales and marketing, operations, facilities, and IT—as well as close collaboration with external partners to ensure procurement strategies align with innovation and compliance objectives.
This is a newly created role. Responsibilities and managed commodities may evolve as the position develops in line with business needs.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Sourcing
* Lead or support sourcing initiatives to drive cost savings, value creation, and supplier performance across indirect categories domestically and internationally.
* Manage RFx processes and supplier negotiations for medium- to high-complexity sourcing projects.
* Proactively engage business partners to understand requirements and incorporate them into sub-category strategies.
* Monitor supply market trends and competitor activity to deliver proactive and innovative sourcing strategies.
* Support new product development and business initiatives through effective sourcing of indirect services.
Supplier Management
* Develop and manage supplier partnerships to ensure performance delivery, risk mitigation, and supplier-enabled innovation.
* Conduct regular business reviews to evaluate supplier performance and identify continuous improvement opportunities.
* Build strategic relationships with internal stakeholders and supplier leadership to optimize and diversify the supply base.
* Ensure supplier compliance with applicable regional regulatory, quality, and corporate standards.
Category Strategy Development
* Develop and support category sourcing strategies for assigned indirect portfolios by assessing business needs, conducting market intelligence, and evaluating suppliers.
* Leverage knowledge of the EMEA indirect supplier landscape to drive competitive sourcing strategies.
* Build and maintain a robust supply network through deep market analysis and industry expertise.
Contracting
* Systematically manage contract creation, approval, administration, and compliance to maximize financial and operational performance while minimizing risk.
* Ensure agreements align with procurement and business strategies in collaboration with Legal.
Project Support & Cross-Functional Collaboration
* Represent Procurement in end-to-end supply chain initiatives including manufacturing network programs, capacity planning, digital tool adoption, and resiliency efforts.
* Lead or support projects within defined spend scope to achieve procurement KPIs.
* Contribute to the advancement of the Procurement vision in collaboration with key stakeholders across the business.
* Escalate issues and risks that may impact Procurement or Supply Chain operations.
Qualifications
* Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Operations, or related field; MBA or MS preferred.
* Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in indirect procurement or strategic sourcing within a healthcare environment; experience across categories such as R&D, professional services, sales and marketing, operations, facilities, and IT preferred.
* Demonstrated success developing and executing category strategies that deliver cost savings, mitigate risk, and improve supplier performance.
* Strong understanding of sourcing processes, contract lifecycle management, and supplier governance across diverse indirect spend areas.
* Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to partner effectively with IT, Legal, HR, Finance, and Marketing.
* Strong negotiation and influencing skills, including management of complex supplier relationships and high-value contracts.
* Proficiency with procurement systems (e.g., SAP, Coupa, Ariba) and advanced Excel skills; familiarity with analytics tools such as Power BI or Tableau is a plus.
* Experience with eMarketplace platforms (e.g., Ariba Network) and digital procurement tools desirable.
* Strong business acumen and ability to align sourcing initiatives with broader organizational objectives.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including presenting to and influencing senior leadership.
* Experience working in global or multi-country environments with understanding of regional procurement dynamics.
* Continuous improvement mindset; experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or process optimization preferred.
* Knowledge of compliance, sustainability, and supplier diversity programs is an asset.
* Fluency in English and German preferred.
* Willingness to travel up to 30% based on business needs.