Category Specialist - Secondary Packaging

Category Specialist - Secondary Packaging

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.

Responsible for setting strategic direction for the procurement of secondary packaging used in the manufacturing of medical devices. Partner with Smith and Nephew's US, European and Asian operations to establish a global material strategy. Partner with Smith and Nephew's business leaders, suppliers and customers to develop innovative sourcing arrangements to reduce costs and risks.

What will you be doing?

• Understand total spend, pricing structure, commercial terms and trends for raw materials, semi-finished goods and purchased finished goods with particular knowledge of market dynamics and supply chain.
• Leverage the market knowledge and drivers to improve Smith and Nephew's ability to source these critical materials and anticipate Smith and Nephew's position versus industry.
• Support any and all projects related to Packaging material in conjunction with Global Category Leader.
• Meet or exceed all Operations Cost Reduction Targets on packaging materials.
• Ability to evaluate and approve suppliers, direct supplier strategy and negotiate complex contracts for procurement of strategic materials that are in alignment with the department goals, initiatives, roles and responsibilities.
• Lead cross-functional business activities that identify, qualify, negotiate and successfully implement new suppliers or manufacturing processes in order to ensure surety of supply, deflation, and business profitability.
• Develop an understanding of Smith and Nephew's product lines, market strategy, competition, technology, to establish the link between raw material and product pricing.
• Understand parts, processes and suppliers and be able to evaluate and support supplier/part strategies and ensure the strategies are implemented into New Product Launches.
• Ensure adequate supplier capacity, competitive supply cost, drive supplier lead time reduction and improve overall supplier performance.
• Drives supplier lean implementation and establishes metrics to ensure supplier accountability.
• Provide Leadership to Technology in the new product introductions (NPI) with regards to raw materials utilization, new sources and supplier's selection/qualification in the Best Cost Countries that fit with product strategy.
• Understand costs, cost planning and analysis to support cost reductions, cost negotiations, parts strategy and supplier strategy.
• Develop plans and priorities for the team to ensure activities are focused on achieving department goals. Drives team performance through effective use of performance management process and development.
• Coordinate communication within Smith and Nephew and across the various franchises.
• Strong participation in the budgeting, operating business plans, and monthly business reviews.
• Responsible for managing relationships internationally, requiring up to 25% travel

What will you need to be successful?

Education: Bachelors degree required

Licenses/ Certifications: CPIM, CPSM or related

Experience

• 3 years+ of strategic procurement with packaging or equivalent materials and market dynamics especially as it pertains to knowledge of the medical device or related products preferred.
• Technical skills in the packaging or equivalent industry, including transportation, foreign trade regulations, manufacturing operations and procurement as well as strong knowledge of manufacturing preferred.

Location: US- Field

Travel Requirements: 10-25%

You. Unlimited.

We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve.

• Inclusion, Diversity and Equity- Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Diversity, Learn more about Employee Inclusion Groups on our website (https://www.smith-nephew.com/

• Your Future: 401k Matching Program, 401k Plus Program, Discounted Stock Options, Tuition Reimbursement
• Work/Life Balance: Flexible Personal/Vacation Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flex Holidays, Paid Community Service Day
• Your Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account (Employer Contribution of $500+ annually), Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave, Fertility and Adoption Assistance Program

• Training: Hands-On, Team-Customized, Mentorship
• Extra Perks: Discounts on fitness clubs, travel and more!

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Smith+Nephew provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.