Regional Category Manager - CMO and R&D

The Regional Category Manager for CMO and R&D (NA - APAC - EU), leads the regional execution of global strategies whilst also developing fit for purpose regional and local strategies tailored for the specific geographical requirements. Responsible for executing effective category strategies across the critical CMO and R&D group of categories and ensures leveraging synergies of R&D and CMO portfolio with regional sourcing support.

This Snr Mgr role is key in establishing targets with the CMO's to identify total cost of ownership value across the enterprise, including addressing Capacity, Quality, Service, Cost and Scarcity constraints, whilst introducing and leveraging industry leading innovation into the business.

This role drives significant value through strategic sourcing and supplier collaboration to optimize performance and drive results. The cross-category regional support is essential to integrate the portfolios on a regional level and ensure value potential is understood and leveraged. This role influences senior leaders globally, manages complex stakeholder relationships, and ensures alignment of procurement strategies with enterprise goals to drive excellence and continuous improvement across CSL processes.

This Snr Manager will have a significant influence on shaping supply strategies across the network for CSL's products and removing complexity from the manufacturing supply chain. Product Safety across CSL's business operations whilst mitigating risk and delivering year on year multi-million dollar value.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Sourcing strategy development

Lead the development and execution of long-term category strategies aligned with enterprise objectives.

Collaborate globally across business units to influence senior leaders and advocate for key business improvement programs.

Develop business cases to gain endorsement for value-driving initiatives.

Establish recommendations and action plans to support technical transfers, address risks and deliver further benefit, whilst also being a crucial leader in the deployment and execution of these strategies within the business.

Lead annual opportunity analysis forums with cross-functional stakeholders and supplier partners to replenish initiative pipelines.

Act as a conduit for external innovation, facilitating workshops to solve complex business challenges through supplier partnerships.

Team leadership

Manage and mentor a team of Category Managers, fostering a high-performance and collaborative culture.

Develop workforce plans and succession strategies to ensure team capability and continuity.

Provide coaching and support for professional development and performance improvement.

Lead initiatives to enhance procurement capabilities and deliver sustained value.

Category management strategy

Drive continuous improvement in sourcing processes, tools, and methodologies.

Build strategic relationships with key suppliers to enhance collaboration, performance, and innovation.

Lead negotiations to secure favorable terms while maintaining strong partnerships.

Monitor supplier performance cross-functionally with CMO Operations and R&D and ensure alignment with contractual obligations and business expectations.

Policy and governance management

Ensure adherence to procurement policies, governance frameworks, and compliance standards.

Manage procurement-related risks and implement mitigation strategies.

Oversee budget planning and financial management within assigned categories.

Performance monitoring

Monitor performance of category strategies in achieving value creation and delivery KPIs

Provide regular reporting and insights to executive leadership on category performance and strategic initiatives.

Cross-functional collaboration

Partner with Finance BPs, Operational Excellence, and Procurement Business Partners including but not limited to CMO Operations, TechOps, CMC, R&D and Network Strategy to align category strategies with business needs.

Develop tailored communications for diverse audiences to manage change, resolve conflict, and build consensus.

Other responsibilities

Market analysis.

Budget management.

Continuous improvement.

Reporting and communication.

Risk management.

Training and development.

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, Supply Chain, or related discipline; MBA or advanced degree preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 7+ years' experience in strategic sourcing, category management, or procurement leadership roles, CMO operations, R&D or similar management roles in supply chain
• Minimum 5+ years' experience in vendor relationship management (preferably CMO/R&D).
• Proven experience in leading cross-functional teams and managing complex supplier relationships.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing category strategies and delivering measurable value.
• Demonstrated success in compiling and presenting executive summaries to leadership
• Experience in change management, stakeholder engagement, and innovation facilitation.