Global Category Manager – Plastic Injection Molding (f/m/d)

Improving human living conditions – that is our shared purpose at Eppendorf. With our high-quality, precise premium life science products – from pipette tips, dispensers and centrifuges to bioreactors and ultra-low temperature freezers – we help scientists around the world conduct research in the lab faster, more accurately and more efficiently.

I listen to truly understand.
I lead the way, even when the path ahead is not yet clear.
I stand by what I say.
I make progress visible and share what I learn.

If this resonates with you, you are exactly who we are looking for.
You will work with people who combine different perspectives and make new things possible. You contribute your ideas, ask questions, challenge the status quo – and you will find an environment that empowers you and helps you grow. Because we believe in people who want to shape the future. People like you.

How you can make an impact

In this role, you drive the global category strategy for plastic injection molded components – a core element of many Eppendorf products.

Category Strategy & Governance

• Develop, implement, and continuously update the global category strategy for plastic injection molded parts in alignment with Eppendorf’s business, quality, and sustainability objectives.

• Analyze global and regional supply markets (especially China and Southeast Asia), including cost drivers, technology trends, capacity, risk, and ESG developments.

• Define and manage mid- and long-term sourcing roadmaps, including supplier panel definition, localization/near-shoring, consolidation and dual/multi-sourcing strategies.

• Ensure category strategies are aligned with R&D, Operations, Quality and Supply Chain stakeholders globally.

Sourcing & Supplier Management

• Identify, evaluate, and qualify plastic injection molding suppliers, including those with in‑house tooling capabilities and strong engineering support.

• Lead and manage RFQ/RFI/RFP processes, ensuring technical and commercial comparability of offers in close collaboration with Engineering and Quality.

• Negotiate prices, tooling investments, commercial terms and long‑term agreements, optimizing total cost of ownership (TCO) while ensuring supply continuity and quality.

• Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships to drive cost competitiveness, innovation, service performance and sustainability.

• Support supplier development activities, including capacity expansion, process optimization and quality improvements.

Cost Management & Should-Cost

• Develop, maintain and continuously refine should-cost models for plastic components based on:

  
  

  • Resin type and raw material cost

  • Tooling concept (cavity number, hot/cold runner, mold steel, tool life, amortization)

  • Cycle time, scrap rate, labor content, automation level and overheads

  • Reasonable margin assumptions by region

  
  
  

• Conduct cost breakdown and gap analysis (supplier quote vs. should-cost vs. current price) to identify savings opportunities and support fact-based negotiations.

• Collaborate with R&D, Engineering and suppliers to enable design-to-cost and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) for new and existing products.

• Conduct and Execute cost reduction negotiation annually to achieve procurement goal.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Act as the primary category interface to global and regional stakeholders (R&D, Engineering, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance).

• Support NPI / NPD projects to FS by involving suppliers early, conducting feasibility and manufacturability assessments (DFM) and providing cost input and sourcing recommendations.

• Work closely with Quality to support PPAP, process audits, APQP and change management at suppliers.

• Align with Supply Chain and Operations on inventory, logistics models and dual sourcing plans to secure supply and optimize working capital.

Risk Management, Compliance & Sustainability

• Identify, assess and mitigate supply risks (single-sourcing, capacity constraints, geopolitical risk, regulatory, ESG and environmental risks).

• Develop and implement risk mitigation plans, including dual/multi-sourcing, safety stock strategies and regional diversification.

• Ensure suppliers comply with Eppendorf’s requirements on quality, ethics, environment, health & safety and social responsibility.

• Actively support Eppendorf’s sustainability goals, e.g., through material choices, waste reduction, energy efficient processes and responsible supplier selection.

What sets you apart

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or above in Mechanical Engineering, Plastics/Polymer Engineering, Materials Science, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management or a related technical field.

• Additional business qualification (e.g. MBA, Purchasing certification) is an advantage.

Experience

• Typically 4+ years of experience in procurement, category management or strategic sourcing, with a strong focus on plastic injection molded components (preferably for medical devices, diagnostics, life science, laboratory consumables or related industries).

• Proven experience with injection molds and tooling (mold concept, structure, cost drivers, lifetime, maintenance and refurbishment).

• Demonstrated track record in should-cost analysis, cost breakdown and value engineering for plastic parts.

• Solid experience working with suppliers in Southeast Asia, including supplier scouting, qualification, development and performance management.

• Experience in a global or regional role in an international, matrix organization is highly preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of injection molding processes (including process parameters, automation, secondary operations such as printing, welding, assembly, and cleanroom requirements where applicable).

• Excellent commercial acumen and negotiation skills, able to lead complex negotiations and long-term agreements.

• Advanced analytical and financial skills, including TCO, cost modeling and scenario analysis.

• Ability to build and maintain trust-based relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners.

• Very good communication skills in English (written and spoken); knowledge of Mandarin is a strong plus.

• Proficient in MS Excel/PowerPoint and ERP/Procurement systems (e.g., SAP, e-sourcing tools).

What we offer

• Purpose and impact. At Eppendorf, you work on solutions that help improve people’s lives around the world.

• We value your contribution. A fair, competitive salary and market‑appropriate benefits in line with local regulations.

• Flexible working. Depending on role requirements, a flexible working environment aligned with local policies that supports collaboration and work‑life balance.

• Time to recharge. Annual leave and public holiday arrangements in line with local law, plus additional leave types that support important life events.

• Health and wellbeing. Medical coverage and access to health and wellness support, complemented by local programmes such as health screening or wellness claims where available.

• Learning that moves you forward. With the Eppendorf Academy, digital learning platforms, language courses, workshops, community formats, coaching and development programs, you can grow continuously – both professionally and personally.

What matters to us

At Eppendorf, we believe that science thrives on curiosity – and on many different perspectives.

Our Eppendorf team is as diverse as the questions asked across the life sciences. Different backgrounds and ways of thinking help us develop better solutions for research.

Come as you are, bring what makes you unique – and help us shape what diversity can make possible in science.

Please note that we can only consider applications submitted via our online application system.

We look forward to getting to know you.

If you have any further questions, please contact:

MEOR HARITH ALWY MEOR SHAMSHUL ANUAR (contact person)

Meor.MHA@eppendorf.com.my

Eppendorf. Collaborate on new ideas.