Takeda
Global Category Manager - CRO (Director)
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Global Category Manager - CRO (Director) . This role leads strategic sourcing and procurement for Contract Research Organization (CRO) services with an annual spend exceeding $600 M, supporting Takeda’s clinical development initiatives.
Job Summary The role develops and implements global category strategies, manages supplier relationships, drives cost‑saving initiatives, and ensures the highest standards of quality and compliance. The incumbent collaborates with cross‑functional teams—including R&D, procurement, quality assurance, and finance—to align category strategies with business objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Category Strategy Development
Develop and implement comprehensive global category strategies for Takeda CRO services.
Conduct market analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and risks.
Align category strategies with overall business goals and Takeda objectives across functions and regions.
Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers for CRO services.
Supplier Relationship Management
Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure reliability, quality, and innovation.
Negotiate contracts, terms, and conditions with suppliers to achieve optimal pricing and service levels.
Track, manage, and improve Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) using designated tools and technologies.
Procurement and Sourcing
Lead global sourcing initiatives to drive cost savings and value creation.
Implement best practices in procurement processes, including RFIs, RFPs, and RFQs.
Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and quality standards.
Financial Management
Develop and manage the annual demand plan for the CRO category.
Track and report on cost savings and financial performance of the category.
Collaborate with finance teams to forecast and manage spend.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Work closely with Takeda teams across geographies and functions to understand requirements and ensure timely procurement of CRO services.
Partner with Procurement colleagues to find value opportunities and ensure compliance with sourcing strategies.
Coordinate with R&D GCMs to optimize sourcing strategies.
Performance Management
Monitor and evaluate supplier performance using key performance indicators (KPIs).
Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance category performance.
Address and resolve any issues related to supplier performance.
Team Leadership
Mentor and develop a global team of procurement professionals.
Provide mentorship, guidance, and training to cross‑functional team members.
Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence within the team.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
Preferred ISM (Institute of Supplier Management) Certifications: CPSM®, CPSD®.
Minimum of 13 years of experience in procurement, category management, or supply chain management, with a focus on Clinical Development in the pharmaceutical industry.
Proven experience developing and implementing global category strategies within complex, business‑critical areas.
Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management skills.
Excellent analytical, financial, and strategic thinking abilities.
Strong leadership and team management skills.
Ability to work effectively in a global, cross‑functional environment.
Knowledge of industry regulations and quality standards.
Proficiency in procurement software and tools such as Cirtuo, Ariba, and SAP.
Competencies
Strategic Thinking – develop long‑term category strategies aligned with business objectives.
Analytical Skills – analyze market trends, financial data, and supplier performance.
Negotiation Skills – negotiate contracts and manage supplier relationships.
Leadership – lead and develop high‑performing teams.
Communication & Presentation – influence stakeholders at all levels.
Problem‑Solving – focus on continuous improvement.
Project Management – manage multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously.
Collaboration – work across R&D Procurement and other business partners.
Ability to handle ambiguity and remain calm under pressure.
Conflict Management – address conflicts proactively.
Planning & Prioritization – scope tasks effectively and focus on critical items.
Drive for Results – deliver measurable outcomes.
Self‑Development – commit to continuous skill improvement.
Location
Cambridge, MA – hybrid role with in‑office expectations of at least 8 days per month. Candidates must be locally based within a reasonable commute to Takeda’s Cambridge office.
Compensation and Benefits
Base salary range: $174,500.00 – $274,230.00 per year.
U.S. employees may be eligible for short‑term and/or long‑term incentives.
Benefits include medical, dental, vision insurance, 401(k) plan with company match, short‑term and long‑term disability coverage, basic life insurance, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteer time off, company holidays, well‑being benefits, up to 80 hours of sick time, and 120 hours of paid vacation upon hire.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Takeda is proud of its commitment to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, genetic information or characteristics, marital status, status as a Vietnam era veteran, special disabled veteran, or other protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, and any other characteristic protected by law.
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Global Category Manager - CRO (Director) . This role leads strategic sourcing and procurement for Contract Research Organization (CRO) services with an annual spend exceeding $600 M, supporting Takeda’s clinical development initiatives.
Job Summary The role develops and implements global category strategies, manages supplier relationships, drives cost‑saving initiatives, and ensures the highest standards of quality and compliance. The incumbent collaborates with cross‑functional teams—including R&D, procurement, quality assurance, and finance—to align category strategies with business objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Category Strategy Development
Develop and implement comprehensive global category strategies for Takeda CRO services.
Conduct market analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and risks.
Align category strategies with overall business goals and Takeda objectives across functions and regions.
Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers for CRO services.
Supplier Relationship Management
Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure reliability, quality, and innovation.
Negotiate contracts, terms, and conditions with suppliers to achieve optimal pricing and service levels.
Track, manage, and improve Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) using designated tools and technologies.
Procurement and Sourcing
Lead global sourcing initiatives to drive cost savings and value creation.
Implement best practices in procurement processes, including RFIs, RFPs, and RFQs.
Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and quality standards.
Financial Management
Develop and manage the annual demand plan for the CRO category.
Track and report on cost savings and financial performance of the category.
Collaborate with finance teams to forecast and manage spend.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Work closely with Takeda teams across geographies and functions to understand requirements and ensure timely procurement of CRO services.
Partner with Procurement colleagues to find value opportunities and ensure compliance with sourcing strategies.
Coordinate with R&D GCMs to optimize sourcing strategies.
Performance Management
Monitor and evaluate supplier performance using key performance indicators (KPIs).
Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance category performance.
Address and resolve any issues related to supplier performance.
Team Leadership
Mentor and develop a global team of procurement professionals.
Provide mentorship, guidance, and training to cross‑functional team members.
Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence within the team.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
Preferred ISM (Institute of Supplier Management) Certifications: CPSM®, CPSD®.
Minimum of 13 years of experience in procurement, category management, or supply chain management, with a focus on Clinical Development in the pharmaceutical industry.
Proven experience developing and implementing global category strategies within complex, business‑critical areas.
Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management skills.
Excellent analytical, financial, and strategic thinking abilities.
Strong leadership and team management skills.
Ability to work effectively in a global, cross‑functional environment.
Knowledge of industry regulations and quality standards.
Proficiency in procurement software and tools such as Cirtuo, Ariba, and SAP.
Competencies
Strategic Thinking – develop long‑term category strategies aligned with business objectives.
Analytical Skills – analyze market trends, financial data, and supplier performance.
Negotiation Skills – negotiate contracts and manage supplier relationships.
Leadership – lead and develop high‑performing teams.
Communication & Presentation – influence stakeholders at all levels.
Problem‑Solving – focus on continuous improvement.
Project Management – manage multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously.
Collaboration – work across R&D Procurement and other business partners.
Ability to handle ambiguity and remain calm under pressure.
Conflict Management – address conflicts proactively.
Planning & Prioritization – scope tasks effectively and focus on critical items.
Drive for Results – deliver measurable outcomes.
Self‑Development – commit to continuous skill improvement.
Location
Cambridge, MA – hybrid role with in‑office expectations of at least 8 days per month. Candidates must be locally based within a reasonable commute to Takeda’s Cambridge office.
Compensation and Benefits
Base salary range: $174,500.00 – $274,230.00 per year.
U.S. employees may be eligible for short‑term and/or long‑term incentives.
Benefits include medical, dental, vision insurance, 401(k) plan with company match, short‑term and long‑term disability coverage, basic life insurance, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteer time off, company holidays, well‑being benefits, up to 80 hours of sick time, and 120 hours of paid vacation upon hire.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Takeda is proud of its commitment to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, genetic information or characteristics, marital status, status as a Vietnam era veteran, special disabled veteran, or other protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, and any other characteristic protected by law.
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