Global Category Manager Research & Development

Are you looking to power the next leap in the exciting world of advanced electronics? Do you want to help solve problems that drive success in the rapidly evolving technology and connectivity landscape? Then bring your problem-solving, passion, and creativity to help us power the next leap in electronics.

At Qnity, we’re more than a global leader in materials and solutions for advanced electronics and high-tech industries – we’re a tight-knit team that is motivated by new possibilities, and always up for a challenge. All our dedicated teams contribute to making cutting-edge technology possible. We value forward-thinking challengers, boundary-pushers, and diverse perspectives across all our departments, because we know we play a critical role in the world enabling faster progress for all. Learn how you can start or jumpstart your career with us.

Global Category Manager – Research & Development

Description

The Global Category Manager – R&D is a strategic procurement leader responsible for developing and executing global category strategies for Qnity’s R&D‑related external spend, including lab supplies, lab equipment & instrumentation, lab services, lab testing, and contracted research.

This role partners closely with R&D, Engineering, Operations, Finance, Legal, and site leadership to ensure sourcing strategies support innovation velocity, technical rigor, regulatory compliance, and cost competitiveness as Qnity scales as an independent company. The role is accountable for end‑to‑end category ownership, from strategy through supplier performance and value realization, across regions and sites.

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Value Creation

• Develop, maintain, and execute global R&D category strategies aligned with Qnity’s business priorities, growth plans, and procurement transformation roadmap.
• Apply advanced category management levers (demand management, specification alignment, supplier consolidation, should‑cost/TCO analysis) to deliver measurable cost savings, cost avoidance, and productivity gains.
• Translate R&D needs (speed, flexibility, innovation, quality) into fit‑for‑purpose sourcing and contracting strategies that balance agility with governance.

Strategic Sourcing & Contracting

• Lead global and regional RFPs/RFIs for R&D categories, embedding cross‑site and SME input early to ensure adoption and reduce rework.
• Negotiate and manage master service agreements (MSAs), framework agreements, and pricing structures for R&D suppliers, ensuring strong commercial, legal, and risk positions.
• Drive standardization of terms, pricing models, SLAs, and performance metrics across regions and sites.

Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)

• Own strategic supplier relationships for R&D categories, including performance management, QBRs, issue resolution, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Partner with key suppliers to unlock innovation, technical capability, service improvements, and supply assurance, not just unit‑price reductions.
• Ensure supplier strategies support Qnity’s global footprint of R&D facilities and evolving technology needs.

Business & Stakeholder Partnership

• Act as a trusted procurement partner to R&D leaders, scientists, engineers, and site teams by embedding procurement early in planning and project discussions.
• Gather and incorporate voice‑of‑the‑customer input into category strategies, sourcing decisions, and contract negotiations.
• Lead and mentor regional buyers, sub‑category managers, and efficiency buyers supporting R&D spend.

Governance, Compliance & Execution

• Ensure sourcing and contracting activities comply with Qnity procurement policies, legal requirements, and internal controls.
• Oversee contract implementation, supplier onboarding, and performance tracking to minimize leakage and ensure value realization.
• Drive root‑cause analysis and corrective actions for supplier, contract, or operational issues impacting R&D delivery

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Strong understanding of R&D procurement dynamics, including technical requirements, service‑based sourcing, and innovation‑driven supplier markets.
• Demonstrated ability to perform complex analyses (e.g., TCO, should‑cost, NPV, value‑based trade‑offs) and translate insights into clear recommendations.
• Proven negotiation, influence, and stakeholder‑management skills across technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple global initiatives in a fast‑moving, transformation environment.
• Strong ethical standards and commitment to compliance and governance.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Sciences, Supply Chain, Business, or related field.
• 5–10 years of progressive procurement experience, with exposure to R&D, laboratory, or technically complex service categories strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating global or multi‑site agreements with strong understanding of commercial and legal terms.
• Advanced Excel skills; strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office and SharePoint.
• CPSM or equivalent professional certification preferred.

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Qnity is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected class. If you need a reasonable accommodation to search or apply for a position, please visit our Accessibility Page for Contact Information.

Qnity offers a comprehensive pay and benefits package. To learn more visit the Compensation and Benefits page.

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