Strategic Sourcing Manager, Research & Development

Primary Function of Position

The Strategic Sourcing Manager R&D will lead sourcing initiatives related to research and development as well as aspects of maintenance repair and operations (MRO) to ensure Intuitive Surgical (Intuitive) secures services and products at optimal value. This role plays a pivotal part in driving innovation by supporting our internal teams. Key spend categories include clinical research organizations (CROs) fabrication shops prototyping lab testing services good lab practices (GLP) machine shops clinical trials and associated services and supplies. The individual will work closely with Intuitives R&D teams operations and supplier quality departments.

The ideal candidate will possess the ability to conduct comprehensive supplier and category/market research including market index analysis data analysis baseline development RFP development bid management contract negotiations offer analysis and category strategy development. This role also involves postbid management activities such as contract and business reviews spend analysis and supplier management. Additionally the candidate will manage multiple projects concurrently and support adhoc project requests.

1. Supplier Relationship Management:

• Build and sustain strong supplier partnerships to promote collaboration trust and mutual success.
• Act as the main liaison for suppliers concerning performance and strategic initiatives.
• Regularly review supplier performance evaluate capabilities and implement plans to boost performance and reliability.
• Set global standards to evaluate supplier performance and minimize business risks.

2. Strategic Sourcing:

• Independently manage the RFx or strategic sourcing process for complex projects from initiation to completion.
• Analyze spending patterns and conduct market and supplier assessments to uncover costsaving and innovation opportunities.
• Lead crossfunctional teams to develop category strategies aligned with business goals and market trends.
• Optimize buying channels and create strategies for assigned spend categories considering Procure to Pay (P2P) requirements.
• Provide comprehensive financial analysis for bid comparisons and alternative proposals.

3. Contract Management:

• Negotiate and manage supplier contracts ensuring compliance with company policies and industry standards.
• Monitor contract performance and compliance with terms and conditions.
• Possess indepth knowledge of terms and conditions included in R&D and related MRO contracts.
• Identify opportunities for contract optimization or consolidation to enhance cost efficiency and reduce risks.
• Secure favorable terms quality service compliance and discounts while mitigating company risk.

4. Category Management:

• Establish a baseline for current spend categories and define future success criteria considering business goals and market conditions.
• Analyze market trends risks and potential new suppliers.
• Define key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the health of managed spend categories.
• Implement spend treatment plans for all levels of spend and risk within the category.
• Work with suppliers and stakeholders to execute the category strategy.

Qualifications :

Required Skills and Experience

• 6 years of experience with at least 4 years in a strategic sourcing & category management role.
• Proven experience working with CROs and sourcing R&D categories.
• Exceptional negotiation skills capable of guiding teams through complex and ambiguous situations.
• Strong conceptual thinking abilities to navigate and resolve intricate challenges.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic fastpaced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills suitable for engaging with team members and company leadership.
• Superior analytical skills to quickly assess situations perform root cause analysis and draw meaningful conclusions.
• Extensive experience in managing change across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Proven ability to influence senior leadership on strategic directions value propositions and sourcing recommendations.
• Strong skills in contract and vendor negotiation to secure favorable outcomes.
• Ability to build consensus and act as an impartial mediator to achieve sourcing objectives without compromising service quality or increasing risk/cost.
• Expertise in concurrently managing multiple projects and tasks with a solid understanding of business requirements and project management methodologies.
• Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy with minimal supervision.
• Proficient in listening understanding and communicating effectively with employees at all levels.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within Intuitive and with suppliers.

Required Education and Training

• Minimum Bachelors Degree Required (Business Supply Chain management Finance or related Discipline preferred)

Additional Information :

Due to the nature of our business and the role please note that Intuitive and/or your customer(s) may require that you show current proof of vaccination against certain diseases including COVID19.  Details can vary by role.

Intuitive is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race sex pregnancy sexual orientation gender identity national origin color age religion protected veteran or disability status genetic information or any other status protected under federal state or local applicable laws.

Mandatory Notices

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.

Preference will be given to qualified candidates who do not reside or plan to reside in Alabama Arkansas Delaware Florida Indiana Iowa Louisiana Maryland Mississippi Missouri Oklahoma Pennsylvania South Carolina or Tennessee.

We provide marketcompetitive compensation packages inclusive of base pay incentives benefits and equity. It would not be typical for someone to be hired at the top end of range for the role as actual pay will be determined based on several factors including experience skills and qualifications. The target salary ranges are listed.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Fulltime