Job description
Join Eppendorf, a global leader in life science tools, as the Category Manager Plastics (APAC). This role leads the plastics category strategy across the Asia-Pacific region, driving growth, profitability, and supplier excellence.
As the APAC lead for plastics categories, you will collaborate with R&D, quality, operations, and procurement teams to shape category strategies, negotiate favorable contracts, and ensure compliance with regulatory and sustainability standards. You will analyze market trends, benchmark pricing, and manage supplier risk, pushing continuous improvement across the supply chain.
You will also drive supplier innovation, qualify suppliers, and manage performance against KPIs such as on-time delivery, quality, cost reduction, and innovation contribution. The ideal candidate combines strong analytics with excellent communication skills and a track record of delivering value in multinational environments.
This is a high-visibility role requiring travel within the APAC region and the ability to influence stakeholders across multiple countries and cultures. If you are a proactive leader who can translate business needs into actionable sourcing strategies, we want to hear from you.
Responsibility
- Develop and execute APAC plastics category strategy, aligned with global objectives and local market realities.
- Lead strategic sourcing initiatives, supplier selection, negotiation, and contract management for plastics components and consumables.
- Collaborate with R&D, QA, regulatory, and manufacturing to ensure quality, compliance, and timely launches.
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, performance management, and continuous improvement programs.
- Monitor market trends, price movements, and supplier risks; implement cost-saving and value-creation projects.
- Manage budgets, forecasts, and KPIs (cost savings, availability, supplier scorecards).
- Drive sustainability and supplier diversity programs related to plastics materials.
- Lead cross-functional teams and coordinate with regional stakeholders to ensure smooth execution across APAC.
Qualification
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
- 5+ years in procurement/category management, preferably in plastics/materials or life sciences; APAC experience required.
- Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship skills.
- Data-driven decision making with proficiency in Excel, ERP systems, and sourcing tools; experience with supplier scorecards.
- Knowledge of regulatory and quality standards relevant to plastics in healthcare or laboratory environments.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management across cultures; willingness to travel within APAC.
- Fluency in English; additional APAC languages are a plus.