Junior Category Manager - Direct Precision Materials

Company Overview

Johnson & Johnson is dedicated to health innovation, striving to create a world where complex diseases are prevented and treated with smarter, less invasive solutions. As a leading force in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, they are positioned to deliver groundbreaking healthcare solutions globally. Abiomed, part of Johnson & Johnson MedTech, specializes in innovative heart-saving products and represents a rapidly growing segment with revenues exceeding $1 billion.

Role Overview

As a Junior Category Manager based in Aachen, Germany, you will play a vital role in managing the Direct Precision Materials category, which includes Metals, Ceramics, Precision Plastics, Packaging, and Chemicals. Reporting to the Associate Director for Direct Precision Materials, you will contribute to sourcing strategies, supplier management, and procurement projects to support business growth and operational excellence within Abiomed.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in crafting sourcing strategies through business needs evaluation, market research, supplier assessment, and informed decision-making.
• Engage proactively with regional business partners to integrate their requirements into sub-category plans.
• Establish and expand the regional supplier network leveraging market analysis and industry knowledge.
• Monitor supply market trends and competitor movements to inform strategic sourcing approaches.
• Support efforts to select and negotiate with suppliers, optimize cost management, and uphold quality and service standards.
• Manage supplier relationships to enhance performance, mitigate risks, and foster innovation.
• Contribute to contract administration ensuring compliance and operational efficiency.
• Represent procurement in supply chain projects including manufacturing networks, capacity planning, digital technology adoption, and enhancing supply resiliency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Operations, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related area; MSc preferred.
• At least 5 to 8 years of extensive procurement experience, with familiarity in Direct Precision Materials.
• Strong comprehension of procurement domains including Spend Management, Category Management, and Supplier Management.
• Proficient leadership, communication, influencing, and collaboration skills.
• Fluent in English and possess a very good command of the German language.
• Ability to operate across regions and markets with strong business acumen.

Preferred Experience

• Background in Supply Chain including External Operations, Manufacturing, Procurement, or Distribution.
• Experience in the medical device industry, especially relevant to Abiomed.
• Exposure to multi-country and multi-sector environments.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies like Lean, Six Sigma (black belt a plus).
• Familiarity with SAP or other ERP and procurement systems.

Additional Information

• Willingness to travel internationally up to 30% of the time, especially to visit suppliers.
• Johnson & Johnson is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusive hiring.
• Employee wellness is supported through comprehensive programs covering financial, physical, and mental health, along with various leaves and recognition awards.
• Salary range between €75,000 and €118,450 annually, supplemented by potential bonuses and commissions, alongside extensive benefits subject to location and plan terms.