Regional Category Manager – Agency of Record (AOR), Digital Agency

Location: Cambridge
Posted on: June 23, 2025

Job Description:

By clicking the “Apply” button, I understand that my employment application process with Takeda will commence and that the information I provide in my application will be processed in line with Takeda’s Privacy Notice and Terms of Use . I further attest that all information I submit in my employment application is true to the best of my knowledge. Job Description The Regional Category Manager is responsible for the execution of the sub-categories Agency of Record (AOR) and Digital Agency strategies in the region. The Regional Category Manager (RCM) plans and leads category initiatives a defined region and develops and implements regional category strategies for market facing spend categories as part of the wider Category Strategy. The RCM leads proactive category projects to support the delivery of regional procurement targets, spanning sourcing projects, demand management and process re-engineering, as well as managing region-specific supplier performance and innovation activities. Their primary responsibility will be ensuring that the category strategy is realized through day-to-day buying activity including buying channel content creation and hands-on delivery support for business buyers. The Regional Category Manager for Agency of Record and Digital Agency will manage Agencies utilized by Takeda Brands for brand strategy, creative development, digital marketing, campaigns, and other marketing related activities. The Regional Category Manager will be responsible for ensuring that all U.S. expenditure within the sub-category is in alignment with global category strategy, maximizes the utilization of preferred suppliers, and aligns with MSAs and expected contractual terms. They will do this by taking responsibility for working between suppliers and the business to capture maximum value for Takeda on purchases, enabled by best practice buying channels, optimum systems and process enablement, procurement buying content, and resulting contractual documentation. The position is responsible for providing financial and business analysis (e.g. Data mining of Procurement & Financial Systems, output analysis & interpretation), supporting regional specific market intelligence in the category area and acting as the focal point for category subject matter expertise to the regional business and procurement community. In addition, they will have full responsibility for all Statements of Work in the sub-category over a threshold in value, including the authoring thereof where required, and will be responsible for attesting to the appropriate business governance forums that each of these statements of work represents the best possible value for Takeda. In doing so they will have a deep understanding of day-to-day buying best practice, strong stakeholder and supplier engagement skills, and exceptional negotiation ability. Through the application of rigorous Category Management tools, systems and techniques, the RCM will deliver business value (operational and financial) in line with the agreed functional and business goals. In addition, they will take personal ownership of large and/or complex arrangements and provide subject matter expertise for other supply and commercial arrangements as required. Success in the role will be measured by US region KPIs, including but not limited to customer satisfaction, savings delivery, and cycle time targets. This role will fully embrace and adopt the Takeda Leadership Behaviors and they will confidently live our values every day (Integrity, Fairness, Honestly and Perseverance). RESPONSIBILITIES Procurement Excellence Lead the translation of the relevant sub-category strategy(s) into day-to-day buying activity through the development and maintenance of best practice buying channels, procurement content (pricing, terms, service catalogues, buying guides etc.) Partner with budget holders and buyers within the region’s business to ensure a frictionless, rapid, and effective day-to-day buying experience. Lead the creation of statements of work to ensure best possible terms, clarity of deliverables, and maximum value for Takeda, including making representations to business unit leadership that each statement of work is of the expected Takeda standard. Work with suppliers to drive high quality statements of work through the creation of templates and standard ways of working Responsible for the realization of savings on each day-to-day buy through the effective application of rates, appropriate demand management techniques, and where applicable negotiation with suppliers. Deliver contract negotiations on behalf of Takeda to secure favorable terms, pricing and statements of work, while ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements Lead and facilitate discussions between category leadership, Global Procurement Centre of Excellence, Takeda Business Services (TBS), Legal Operations, Finance, IT and other relevant stakeholders to drive process and systems improvements that create a better day to day buying experience for stakeholders and improves value realization by Takeda. Provide regular feedback to category managers on operational buying trends, leveraging all available date, to inform category strategy adjustments Monitor supplier performance and escalate issues as required, or resolve wherever possible Category Management Support the development and implementation of the Category strategy at sub-category levels under the leadership of the Global Category Manager in alignment with organizational objectives, market dynamics and internal stakeholder needs Support strategic initiatives within the relevant sub-category (i.e. Category Councils, engagement guidelines, cash flow initiatives, risk management, etc.) ensuring alignment between operational buying activities and the wider category plan Support risk identification and mitigation processes to ensure minimal impact to Takeda business processes and reputation Support Supplier Relationship Management initiatives across the strategic supply base, reporting on supplier performance, embracing supplier led innovation (where appropriate), issuing constructive feedback and ensuring that any supplier performance risks and issues are resolved on a timely basis to end user satisfaction Champion GREFP values and initiatives including supplier diversity and sustainability across procurement, supporting functions and the wider Takeda business Other activities Help to socialize procurement and category management best practices within the business (i.e. increased utilization of preferred suppliers, SoW optimization and the use of BuyEasy@Takeda etc.) in partnership with the Procurement Lead and Global Category Manager Collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders, including business partners, Procurement CoE, Finance and Takeda Business Solutions to ensure alignment Clearly demonstrate, actively coach and encourage the team to adopt and embrace the Takeda Leadership Behaviors (Think Strategically, Inspire others, Deliver Priorities, Elevate Capabilities) Foster a climate that inspires, enables, encourages open dialogue, feedback and diverse opinions Promote collaboration, trust and respect among team members and the wider Takeda business Ensure compliance with Takeda training requirements CAPABILITIES Strategic thinking (with the ability to multi-task, think critically and prioritize) Savings delivery from the deployment of multiple levers – demand and supply-side Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and presentation skills Superior customer service and relationship-building skills, and business partnering abilities Superior negotiation experience and expert Statement of Work preparation Market and supplier knowledge Punctuality, accuracy, and the ability to meet deadlines Strong attention to detail Proficiency with Ariba and MSOffice Suite EXPERIENCE BA or BS required 11 years in category management and/or procurement experience with in-depth knowledge of strategic sourcing, savings delivery, etc. and all relevant systems including Ariba, Link, SAP etc. Strong sub-category expertise and proven sourcing track-record Experience working in a complex environment Exceptionally skilled at stakeholder management Strong and proven negotiation and communication skills Proven Financial and Business Acumen ADDITIONAL INFORMATION This is a hybrid role with in-office expectations of at least 10 days per month. A strong onsite presence is necessary, candidates must be locally based within a reasonable commute to Takeda's Cambridge, MA offices. No business travel will be required MORE ABOUT US At Takeda, we are transforming patient care through the development of novel specialty pharmaceuticals and best in class patient support programs. Takeda is a patient-focused company that will inspire and empower you to grow through life-changing work. Certified as a Global Top Employer, Takeda offers stimulating careers, encourages innovation, and strives for excellence in everything we do. We foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace, in which our teams are united by an unwavering commitment to deliver Better Health and a Brighter Future to people around the world. This position is currently classified as "hybrid" in accordance with Takeda's Hybrid and Remote Work policy. LI-HYBRID Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. We are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices. For Location: Cambridge, MA U.S. Base Salary Range: $153,600.00 - $241,340.00 The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location. U.S. based employees may be eligible for short-term and/or long-termincentives. U.S.based employees may be eligible to participate in medical, dental, vision insurance, a 401(k) plan and company match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, a tuition reimbursement program, paid volunteer time off, company holidays, and well-being benefits, among others. U.S.based employees are also eligible to receive, per calendar year, up to 80 hours of sick time, and new hires are eligible to accrue up to 120 hours of paid vacation. EEO Statement Takeda is proud in its commitment to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, genetic information or characteristics, marital status, status as a Vietnam era veteran, special disabled veteran, or other protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, and any other characteristic protected by law. Locations Cambridge, MA Worker Type Employee Worker Sub-Type Regular Time Type Full time Job Exempt Yes It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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