Category Manager

Category Manager

Responsible for leading the procurement teams activities for the designated category including supply operation management, supplier relationship management, strategic sourcing initiatives to reduce supply chain complexity and developing a more cost-effective supply chain.

• Execute category spend strategy, balancing site purchasing requirements and procurement targets.

• Identify and capture profit improvement opportunities beyond leveraged sourcing, e.g., demand management opportunities, insource versus outsource decisions, efficiencies in the company's comprehensive supply chain, and/or other strategic and operational process improvements.

• Establish uniform KPIs and quarterly supplier reviews of quality, cost, delivery, and administrative process performance. Anticipate and minimize performance issues.

• When performance issues emerge, identify root causes and drive for efficient resolution of issues at hand by working across both internal and external stakeholders.

• Analyze and convert raw data into actionable insights.

• Manage multiple complex projects.

• Define business processes for escalation and resolution of site issues and opportunities.

• Identify mid and long-term category opportunities for spend and performance continuous improvements.

• Work closely with sales teams to analyze sales trends, purchasing habits and competing products to improve sales and revenue.

• Develop relationships with vendors and suppliers to achieve optimum contracts that support the enhancement of product promotions.

• Provide input during decision-making processes regarding product development and categorization.

• Quantify and report both identified and implemented sourcing project results.

• Ensure appropriate cross-functional partnering on process improvement projects.

• Track and work with corporate finance to report results for identified projects and when applicable, work with other functions across company to replicate projects with positive results.

• Foster relationships with suppliers to create short-term and long-term value for the company.

• Lead global business reviews with strategic suppliers to ensure performance against contracted obligations and business unit expectations.

**Educational/Training Requirement:?**

• Bachelor's degree in business, Supply Chain or Engineering field

• Master's degree preferred.

**Experience:?**

• Minimum of 5 years of experience, although prefer 10+ years, working in procurement, strategic sourcing, category management, plant operations, or related fields.

• Experience in a manufacturing industry required

• Experience with a center-led business model preferred

• In-depth understanding of Epicor, or similar ERP and MRP system, preferred

? **Licenses/Certifications:?**

• APICS desired

• CPM preferred

• Licenses and certifications

**Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:?**

• In-depth knowledge of contract negotiations, and procurement and logistics best practices

• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office

• Excellent analytical skills, ability to create and manage complex spreadsheets

• Experience working within a project management environment. PMP certification preferred.

• Excellent data entry skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to work independently and exercise judgment.

• Current with relevant trends and applications.

• Start-up mentality, able to embrace new challenges and thrive in a collaborative environment.

Travel

Travel up to 25%.