Global Procurement Regional Laboratory Manager

We are SGS – the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world. 

The SGS Global Procurement & Real Estate team is a specialized group within SGS  dedicated to managing and optimizing the procurement processes and real estate assets on a global scale for SGS. This team plays a crucial role in strategically managing and optimizing procurement processes and real estate assets on a global scale, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of SGS operations..

As a part of the SGS Global Procurement & Real Estate team, the Regional Category Manager assumes the responsibility for formulating, reviewing, and ultimately executing regional category strategies within the designated areas.

Collaborating closely with the Regional Lab Procurement Manager and Local Procurement Managers, the role involves ensuring alignment from both top-down and bottom-up perspectives.

Leading sourcing initiatives in accordance with the established 3-year category plan for their assigned region, the Regional Category Manager oversees relationships with regional vendors, ensuring strict adherence to Procurement policies.

Reporting Line: Global Procurement Project Director

Primary Responsibilities:

• Contribute to and implement comprehensive regional procurement strategies for Laboratories, developing a 3-year plan with quantified sourcing projects.
• Represent the interests of assigned regions within a global category team, ensuring alignment with stakeholder requirements.
• Align regional strategies with global procurement strategies for Laboratory subcategories.
• Collaborate and actively partner with SGS countries to ensure optimal execution of procurement strategies.
• Be accountable for Lab category performance, including achieving savings and other agreed KPIs.
• Participate in category reviews and committees to analyze performance metrics and suggest improvements.
• Lead and motivate a regional Lab Category Team, including relevant stakeholders (procurement, finance, operations, etc.) and a network of prescribers.
• Manage the overall category team and category management process in assigned regions.
• Lead sourcing initiatives and projects in the region based on the defined 3-year plan.
• Negotiate and conclude regional contracts, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and reporting progress, challenges, and risks to global and local management.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Monitor regional market trends and recommend necessary changes to procurement strategies.
• Stay informed about industry developments to proactively address emerging challenges and opportunities.
• Manage relationships with regional vendors, including Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs).
• Manage the regional supplier base, including the long tail, and continuously source new potential vendors to enhance the supplier ecosystem.
• Support countries in rolling out/implementing initiatives and recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with regional procurement policies, procedures, and standards, providing guidance and support to local teams.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Over six years of hands-on involvement in strategic procurement within a multinational corporation, with a specialized focus on Laboratories. Experience in Laboratories is essential and a must have for this role.
• Strong communication skill.
• Diplomatic personality with high ambitions, capable of building trust, respect, and confidence.
• Strategic thinker with hands-on operational experience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, proficient in Excel and data management.
• Ability to manage complex projects and multitask in a high-pressure environment.
• Very good understanding of contract laws and standard forms of contracts.
• Proven negotiation and contractual experience at both strategic and operational levels.
• Strong leadership, influencing, and change management skills in a matrix organization.
• Team-oriented with a focus on internal customer service.
• Full fluency in English; additional languages such as Mandarin or Spanish are a plus.

Why SGS?

• Join a globally recognized and stable company, a leader in the Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) industry.
• Enjoy a flexible schedule and remote work model.
• Access SGS University and Campus for continuous learning options.
• Thrive in a multinational environment, collaborating with colleagues from multiple continents.
• Benefit from our comprehensive benefits platform.

Join Us: At SGS, we are dedicated to fostering an open, friendly, and supportive culture that thrives on teamwork. We value diversity and provide endless opportunities to learn, grow your expertise, and fulfill your potential. Apply now to be part of our motivated and dynamic team!