The posting
PURPOSE AND SCOPE:
VP Category Management is a strategic leader who is responsible for defining and executing company-wide category strategies that drive sustainable value across AZURA. This role leads the Category Management organization that oversees category strategy development, strategic sourcing, supplier and external ecosystem management, innovation and performance management across key spend categories as well as the Purchasing team. This role ensures Procurement strategies support enterprise objectives including cost optimization, supply continuity, risk management, operational excellence, and long-term value creation. This position partners closely with senior leadership across AZURA and FME Corporate, including Clinical Management & Staff, Finance, Operations, Manufacturing and Supply Chain to embed Procurement as a strategic business partner. This leader plays a pivotal role in strengthening the end-to-end Source-to-Pay model (including supporting implementation S4/Hana) by driving alignment, effective execution and embedding best practices across Procurement’s transformation initiatives, roadmap and calendar. By combining deep category expertise, robust supplier partnerships, advanced negotiation strategies, and market intelligence, the role ensures FME effectively manages risk, fosters innovation, strengthens supply resilience, and optimizes commercial value.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Category Management • Develop, implement and continuously refine enterprise-wide category strategies that leverage healthcare industry cost drivers and are aligned with FME objectives. • Provide AZURA employees, Medical Management & Staff with the optimal supply of all products and services required (incl. quality, security of supply, price, innovative alternatives, others) • Proactively engages and work closely with the Procurement Business Partner(s), other Category Managers, and cross-functional stakeholders/teams to gather business requirements to develop, share and implement category strategies • Establish and lead teams that strategically manage spend by utilizing a proven sourcing process that engages stakeholders, aligns business objectives, and ensures supply continuity. Leverage supplier capabilities across FMC to meet the near and long-term needs of the business. Ensure robust supplier selection, diligent management of supplier performance issues, and innovative thinking on supplier capability • Determine industry/category specific cost drivers, emerging trends, technologies and market shifts to inform sourcing strategies, continuous risk management, category specific innovation and continuous improvement initiatives • Identify opportunities for financial value generation including cost savings, cost avoidance and working capital optimization • Lead strategic sourcing initiatives, complex negotiations and materials management best practices to achieve targeted financial outcomes Key Performance Metrics & Performance Management • Secure optimal supply of all products and services across all Azura entities (security of supply, price/TCO, quality/specification, others) • Deliver measurable financial impact including cost savings, cost avoidance and working capital improvements • Drive performance across a comprehensive suite of Procurement KPIs (Financial and Non-Financial) that are tied to FME objectives • Report on key performance metrics that provide Executive leadership transparency into category performance and Procurement’s contribution to FME objectives • Implement performance governance frameworks to track category performance, ensure ownership of results and drive corrective actions if targets are at risk of not being met Supplier & External Ecosystem Management • Lead supplier segmentation, performance and relationship management, and preferred supplier programs • Oversee supplier performance management, including quality assurance, contract compliance and service delivery • Monitor market trends, supply risks, and emerging technologies to translate insights into proactive sourcing strategies and supplier risk mitigation plans • Ensure supply continuity and resilience across the supplier network Cross Functional Collaboration • Collaborate with senior leadership across Azura, including Procurement, Finance, Operations, Manufacturing and business units to align Procurement strategies with FME objectives • Act as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on supplier risk, innovation, cost optimization opportunities, and investment trade offs Source-to-Pay Integration, Digital Optimization & Process Excellence • Integrate Category Management feedback within the end-to-end Source-to-Pay operating model • Embed and enforce consistent adoption of Procurement frameworks, governance standards, and processes across the Category Management team • Lead continuous improvement of Procurement frameworks, governance standards and processes in partnership with Procurement Center of Excellence and Process and Platforms teams • Represent Category Management in enterprise transformation initiatives, including companywide ERP and digital Procurement platform implementations
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS: Physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounter while performing the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. • Role operates in a hybrid remote and office setting. While performing the duties of this role, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This role routinely and frequently uses a desk and standard office equipment such as computers and phones with repetitive motion. • 5 – 25% travel may be required
SUPERVISION: • Will be responsible for direct supervision of various levels of Category Management roles • Identify, recruit and actively develop skills and competencies required for the future organization. • Develop own successor and successors within the Procurement organization for all levels of management and key individual contributor roles. Coach subordinate managers in the delivery of performance feedback and career management for direct reports • Reporting hard-lined into FME Procurement Organization and acting as the Procurement Business Partner to the AZURA COO. (Business Partner model)
EDUCATION: • Bachelor’s degree required in Business, Supply Chain, Finance or related field • MBA or advance degree preferred or an equivalent combination of education and experience
EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS: • 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in Procurement, Strategic Sourcing or Supply Chain Management • Experience in hospital, outpatient healthcare environments or clinics strongly preferred • Strong knowledge of medical products, equipment, and manufacturers related to cardiology and vascular surgery • Proven experience in developing and executing Category strategies in complex Global organizations • Strong financial acumen with a proven track record of delivering financial results • Deep expertise in supplier management, contract negotiation and sourcing strategy development • Experience optimizing Procurement transformation initiatives and digital Procurement programs • Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making capabilities • Ability to influence, communicate and collaborate effectively across executive leadership and cross-functional teams
CORE COMPETENCIES • Executive presence with influence at Board and C-suite levels. • Exceptional financial acumen, including P&L impact and cost-to-serve optimization. • Strategic thinker with the ability to translate corporate objectives into actionable procurement outcomes. • Global cultural awareness and expertise in best-cost-country sourcing. • Inspirational leadership, fostering high-performing, inclusive teams across
geographies. • Comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels—able to direct
and to do when required.
LEADERSHIP STYLE & PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES • Results-driven, resilient, and comfortable leading through complexity and ambiguity • Collaborative, transparent, and trusted by senior stakeholders • Strong sense of ownership and accountability • Passionate about developing talent and building inclusive, high-engagement teams
The rate of pay for this position will depend on the successful candidate’s work location and qualifications, including relevant education, work experience, skills, and competencies. $211,300-$352,200
Benefit Overview: This position offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off, parental leave and potential for performance-based bonuses depending on company and individual performance.
Fresenius Medical Care maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.
Fresenius Medical Care is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, parental status, national origin, age, disability, military service, or other non-merit-based factors
