Category Manager - Indirect

The Straumann Group is a globally leading provider in the field of aesthetic dentistry. We combine experience, scientific evidence, and innovation with passion and are committed to uncompromising quality to offer dental professionals and patients worldwide the best possible solutions. As a pioneer and market leader in dental implantology, we have consistently expanded our product portfolio in recent years. Today, we are active in all areas of aesthetic dentistry, ranging from tooth preservation, regeneration, restoration, orthodontics with transparent aligner trays to tooth loss.

The Category Manager Indirect is a key role within the Global Procurement function of the Straumann Group, responsible for managing a portfolio of selected indirect categories and/or sub-categories at global level.

The role is accountable for the end-to-end design, introduction, and execution of category and sourcing strategies that may span multiple sites, regions, and business units. Acting following Straumann core beliefs, the Category Manager drives strategic initiatives that deliver cost efficiencies, value creation, risk mitigation, and sustainable outcomes, while ensuring strong alignment with business stakeholders.

The position reports to the Global Category Director – Indirect.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities:

Manage a portfolio of selected categories, sub-categories, sourcing projects, and strategic suppliers across the Group.

Develop and continuously refine global category strategies aligned with Straumann’s overall business strategy.

Ensure the end-to-end execution of sourcing initiatives following strategic sourcing steps, working cross-functionally and in close collaboration with business units and corporate functions.

Evaluate supply and market risks and define mitigation plans to ensure continuity of supply and operational resilience.

Analyze supplier markets and provide actionable, forward-looking recommendations based on market intelligence, cost drivers, and emerging technologies.

Build deep category expertise, maintain up-to-date market knowledge, and stay abreast of evolving supply bases, innovation trends, and digital solutions:

Lead efforts that drive cost efficences, supplier consolidation, improve service and enhanced innovation through execution of strategic sourcing process.

Identify cost efficencies opportunities, produce and manage a pipeline of high impact sourcing projects and initiatives

Define and execute strategic sourcing initiatives: through the use of the digital tools in place, lead supplier selection and negotiation through the RFP process, in collaboration with the different Straumann business units and corporate functions.

Manage supplier performance. Define and execute a yearly communication plan with critical / strategic suppliers.

Ensure proper implementation, track and monitor suppliers performance.

Profile

Preferred eduction: Master, MBA academic degree in Business, Economics, or a related field

Professional certification: CPSM or CIPS desired

Langage: English: Excellent written and spoken

Additional languages are a strong advantage (e.g. German, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Mandarin)

Experience

Minimum 8 years of experience in a strategic procurement or category management role.

Proven exposure to:

Indirect categories

Complex strategic sourcing initiatives

Global, matrixed organizational environments

Standardized procurement processes and governance

Demonstrated success working in cross-functional and international teams, contributing to and driving transformation agendas.

Relevant category experience in at least two of the following:

Facilities Management

IT & Digitalization

Marketing

Corporate Services (Mobility, Energy,Travel, Real-estate, Consulting, etc.)

Personal Attributes & behaviors

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership.

Self-driven professional with the confidence and leadership capability to define, prioritize, and execute category strategies aligned with company targets.

Proven ability to lead initiatives end-to-end, take ownership of outcomes, and make sound decisions in complex and ambiguous situations.

High level of adaptability and flexibility to operate effectively in a global, fast-changing, and evolving business environment, responding proactively to shifting priorities and organizational needs.

Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, set clear priorities, and deliver results within tight timelines in an agile environment.

Strong relationship-building skills across functions, regions, countries, and cultures.

Solid understanding of assigned categories, related processes, and delivery models, with expert negotiation capabilities.

Proven ability to assess and manage supplier and market risks, including in regulated environments.

High sense of urgency and accountability, with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset and a strong “can-do” attitude.