Category Manager (Apac & Japan)

JOB SUMMARY Manage direct/indirect strategic category relationships including execution against contractual requirements, management of new product introductions, and continued business development and oversight of the complete cross-organization value stream. This position will source, qualify, negotiate the contractual terms and conditions and develop supply plans for the purchase of complex materials, equipment or goods and services. Multiple suppliers will be managed in support of new product introductions and current material requirements. PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Lead sourcing and category support for the materials and equipment our Veterinary Reference Laboratories depend on, including consumables, reagents, biological materials, diagnostic materials, and high-value analytical testing equipment. Build strong relationships with lab, operations, quality, regulatory, logistics, business, and Global Procurement partners so you can understand what matters most and turn those priorities into practical sourcing strategies. Own sourcing projects from start to finish, from identifying the opportunity and evaluating suppliers to negotiating, contracting, implementing, and managing supplier performance. Work independently and use good judgment to move regional priorities forward, while staying closely connected to Global Procurement and key stakeholders for alignment and support. Create sourcing plans that balance cost, quality, service, supply continuity, regulatory expectations, and the technical needs of veterinary diagnostic testing. Help build the regional sourcing foundation by setting priorities, creating processes, establishing supplier engagement routines, and shaping ways of working that support growth and operational maturity. Play a key role in standing up a new regional lab by supporting supplier readiness, sourcing timelines, equipment and material availability, and cross-functional launch needs. Use data, spend analytics, supplier performance insights, market intelligence, and risk indicators to spot opportunities, make informed recommendations, and show the value delivered. Work across teams to make sure sourcing decisions support validated lab workflows, compliance needs, service levels, and consistent availability of the materials needed to serve IDEXX customers. Manage suppliers and products that may involve special handling, cold-chain logistics, shelf-life management, traceability, and import/export documentation. Look ahead for supplier, material, geopolitical, regulatory, and logistics risks that could affect lab readiness, cost, quality, or timely diagnostic service delivery. Partner closely with Global Procurement to connect regional sourcing work with enterprise category strategies, global supplier relationships, procurement standards, and best practices, while adapting to local lab needs and Singapore requirements where applicable. Turn lab, technical, and business needs into clear scopes of work, supplier expectations, specifications, and contract requirements. EDUCATION: Bachelors degree or equivalent combination of education and experience required. REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES: English and Japanese language proficiency required as this role covers APAC region including Japan. This incumbent is expected to liaise directly with local vendors in Japan, who only speak Japanese. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written; ability to communicate and present technical information to all levels of the organization and to supplier companies Demonstrated ability to facilitate and manage meetings Demonstrated negotiation skills and techniques, knowledge in contract negotiation strategies, administration of contracts and confidentiality disclosures Demonstrated ability to negotiate with, influence, and facilitate cross-functional teams involving multiple competing tasks and goals Strong knowledge and understanding of business needs with the ability to establish and maintain a high level of customer trust and confidence Strong background in strategic sourcing, supply chain management programs, and the ability to assess supplier capability Strong project management skills; demonstrated ability to lead projects and/or teams Ability to develop and deliver large-scope projects Ability to analyze data in order to summarize and recommend action plans/strategies Ability to read and analyze complex drawings/documents, governmental regulations, technical procedures in mathematical or di…