Job Description

As a key member of Agilent Technologies’ Global Procurement team, the Global Category Manager plays a strategic role in driving growth and margin improvement by developing and executing global category strategies. This individual is responsible for proactively managing supplier relationships to ensure consistent product availability, exceptional quality, and optimized profitability. Operating in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment, the Category Manager collaborates cross-functionally to accelerate time-to-market for new products, while leading efforts that align procurement initiatives with broader business objectives.

 

Success in this role requires strong negotiation and influencing skills to secure favorable commercial terms and long-term supplier partnerships. The Category Manager must demonstrate excellence in strategic planning, prioritization, and decision-making, balancing short-term business needs with long-term value creation. A deep understanding of market dynamics, cost drivers, and risk management is essential, along with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive continuous improvement across the supply base.

Strategic Category Analysis & Direction Setting

Conduct in-depth analysis of strategic categories to define clear direction and priorities.

Build strong partnerships with internal stakeholders to understand business goals and evolving needs.

Translate business requirements into actionable sourcing strategies and identify opportunities for added value.

Develop a comprehensive understanding of the supply market, including capabilities, trends, and key players.

Align sourcing strategies with both short- and long-term business objectives.

Strategy Development

Ensure delivery of high-quality products and services to internal partners; regularly assess evolving business and technology needs.

Collaborate with leadership to translate business needs into category-specific objectives and goals.

Lead the development of category strategies and initiatives to meet or exceed business requirements.

Set sourcing targets and define supplier performance expectations using TQRDC (Technology, Quality, Responsiveness, Delivery, Cost) metrics.

Establish total cost of ownership (TCO) targets and implement initiatives to optimize cost structures.

Strategy Execution & Management

Execute and maintain category strategies; provide regular updates to leadership and stakeholders.

Manage the global supply base in alignment with category strategies.

Continuously evaluate and adapt strategies based on changing business conditions and market dynamics.

Category Management: Analysis & Execution

Stay informed on industry trends and developments through research and networking.

Maintain up-to-date supply market intelligence, including supplier capabilities, market positioning, and competitive landscape.

Ensure continuous supply assurance and serve as an escalation point for supply chain issues.

Support team development through coaching, training, and performance tracking. Promote collaboration and continuous improvement.

Sourcing: Supplier Evaluation & Selection

Assess production and R&D requirements to determine supplier suitability.

Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers that meet Agilent’s business and technical requirements.

Conduct supplier audits in collaboration with engineering teams.

Prepare and evaluate RFQs, establish cost standards, and drive cost optimization across the supply chain.

Ensure suppliers can meet current and future business needs.

Evaluate the need for contracts, assess supplier financial stability, and negotiate agreements that minimize risk and maximize value.

Contract & Cost Management

Develop and negotiate contracts that protect Agilent’s interests and ensure optimal total cost.

Review supplier business continuity and succession plans for critical components or suppliers.

Conduct total cost analysis using tools such as should-cost models to benchmark and optimize cost structures.

Risk Analysis & Management

Perform risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies to minimize busi

Conduct TQRDC-based supplier evaluations and provide feedback to suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Meet with key suppliers regularly to ensure alignment and review performance.

Hold suppliers accountable for meeting quality, delivery, and compliance expectations.

Monitor and enforce Agilent’s Supplier Quality System Requirements (SQSR) and environmental compliance.

ness impact.

Manage supplier liability reporting in accordance with contractual obligations.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field (Master’s or MBA preferred).

8+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or category management, preferably in a global life sciences environment.

Proven track record of developing and executing global category strategies that deliver measurable business value.

Additional Details

This job has a full time weekly schedule. Applications for this job will be accepted until at least August 28, 2025 or until the job is no longer posted.

The full-time equivalent pay range for this position is $105,280.00 - $176,015.00/yr plus eligibility for bonus, stock and benefits. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. During the hiring process, a recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for a preferred location. Pay and benefit information by country are available at: https://careers.agilent.com/locations

Agilent Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We value diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, religion or religious creed, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, local law, ordinance, or regulation and will not be discriminated against on these bases. Agilent Technologies, Inc., is committed to diversity in the workplace and strives to support candidates with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance with any part of the application or interview process or have questions about workplace accessibility, please email job_posting@agilent.com or contact +1-262-754-5030. For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please visit www.agilent.com/en/accessibility.

Travel Required: 10% of the Time

Shift: Day

Duration: No End Date

Job Function: Manufacturing