Global Category Manager (m/w/d)

For one of our clients, a leading medical devices manufacturer, we are currently looking for an experienced Global Category Manager to lead divisional category initiatives with a core focus on injection moulding tooling.

In this role you will aggregate procurement volumes, drive targeted specification alignment, and build resilient supply networks across multiple manufacturing sites.

General Information:

• Start date: ASAP (to be discussed)
• Contract type: permanent employment
• Work location: canton Berne
• Workload: 100%
• Home Office: flexible
• Working hours: standard
• Travel: frequent, incl. international

Tasks & Responsibilities:

• Commercial & Category Strategy: Architect and execute enterprise sourcing strategies covering injection mould tooling, plastic resins, and plant machinery. Lead commercial negotiations regarding contract pricing, trade terms, and full-lifecycle support in tandem with site-based buyer teams and technical SMEs.
• Governance & Vendor Standards: Construct enterprise-level governance tools—including master supply agreements, vendor KPIs, and qualification protocols—to enable consistent supplier performance reviews and actionable daily standards for local plant teams.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Partner closely with R&D, Engineering, NPI/Industrialisation, and localized procurement teams. Bridge technical specs with commercial targets by facilitating consensus and synthesizing requirements rather than mandating top-down directives.
• Supply Continuity & Risk Oversight: Monitor market dynamics to address supply vulnerabilities such as capacity bottlenecks, extended lead times, and single-source dependencies. Deploy unified mitigation frameworks across all manufacturing facilities in active coordination with site leaders.
• Targeted Standardisation: Streamline specifications whenever clear operational or financial advantages exist regarding unit cost, quality metrics, or delivery security. Maintain flexibility by honoring site-specific technical or customer-driven requirements when customization is necessary.

Your Profile:

• Background:: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Strategic Procurement Expertise: Minimum of 5 years of strategic sourcing experience in a manufacturing environment, including dedicated ownership of the injection mould tooling lifecycle (covering RFX management, DFM reviews, tool validation/acceptance, and warranty terms).
• Contracting & Vendor Management: Demonstrated capability negotiating high-level framework contracts and executing vendor development initiatives with tooling suppliers.
• Cross-Site Leadership: Superior interpersonal and matrix leadership skills, capable of driving consensus across functional departments and geographically dispersed sites.
• Languages: Fluent in English

Nice to Have:

• Direct experience purchasing raw polymer resins or metal alloys.
• Background handling CapEx acquisitions for heavy injection moulding machinery.
• Proven track record implementing procurement programs across multiple manufacturing locations.

Sounds interesting? Apply now – we’re looking forward to receiving your applications!