Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew, we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.
We're looking for a dynamic Global Category Leader for our Capital Equipment & Equipment Maintenance (GCL CAPEX) Category, to spearhead initiatives and drive excellence within this key category. In this influential position, you will own category strategy, oversee significant expenditure, and craft supplier and stakeholder engagement across a worldwide landscape. Expertise in category management will be essential, helping to deliver innovative solutions that align with our broader operational and manufacturing goals.
This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead sourcing projects end-to-end, optimise demand management, and champion supplier performance and innovation. Playing a critical part in defining specifications, improving vendor relationships, and ensuring perfect execution of strategic plans. Reporting to the Global Category Director, you will be at the heart of a dynamic organisation that values care, collaboration and courage!
What will you be doing?
1. Develop and own category strategies aligned with business objectives, securing stakeholder approval and ensuring clear communication.
2. Deliver cost efficiency by achieving CAPEX category savings targets and handling supplier, market, and internal business data.
3. Mitigate risks by identifying key supplier issues, ensuring performance concerns are addressed, and maintaining compliance with Procurement policies.
4. Lead projects based on the CAPEX strategy, driving initiatives that feed into the Annual Procurement Category Plan.
5. Manage supplier relationships through segmentation, critical metric implementation, contract negotiations, and governance activities, including Executive and Quarterly Business Reviews.
6. Champion innovation by collaborating with strategic suppliers to drive the Smith+Nephew innovation agenda.
7. Supervise a small team, ensuring alignment with overall Category strategy and maintaining clear stakeholder communication.
What will you need to be successful?
To excel in this role, you will need a strong background in procurement, with extensive experience leading category strategies on a global scale. Expertise in managing Capital Equipment & Equipment Maintenance is crucial. An understanding of MRO, Facilities, and Real Estate category management are a bonus, as these areas closely intersect with the role. A recognised professional qualification such as CIPS, or an equivalent, is highly preferred.
Success in this position will rely on your ability to develop strategic supplier relationships, drive cost efficiency, and lead sophisticated procurement initiatives while ensuring flawless collaboration with key stakeholders across the business.
You. Unlimited
We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve.
8. Inclusion, Diversity and Equity: Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Diversity, Learn more about Employee Inclusion Groups on our website (;
9. Your Future: Generous annual bonus and pension Schemes, Save As You Earn share options and a car allowance.
10. Work/Life Balance: Flexible Vacation and Time Off, Paid Holidays and Paid Volunteering Hours, so we can give back to our communities!
11. Your Wellbeing: Private Health and Dental plans, Healthcare Cash Plans, Income Protection, Life Assurance and much more.
12. Flexibility: Hybrid Working Model (For most professional roles).
13. Training: Hands-On, Team-Customised, Mentorship.
14. Extra Perks: Discounts on Gyms and fitness clubs, Salary Sacrifice Bicycle and Car Schemes and many other Employee discounts.