POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Category Manager will rely upon a deep knowledge of the industry, market and overall category to create and execute category strategies.  This includes responsibility for supplier relationship management to manage volatility, ensure stability of the supply chain, mitigate risk, and deliver a competitive advantage for the Enterprise.

This role is regarded as a trusted resource across our stakeholders and at times with senior leaders, relied upon for guidance, critical alignment, and results. Supplier performance is a critical focus with a concentration on quality, delivery, innovation, continuous improvement and cost management. This position will lead strategic and tactical initiatives in collaboration with other functional areas such as engineering, operations, RD&I, quality, and finance.  This includes involvement with the Business Units and Executive Team.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible to deliver effective category management strategies and lead the sourcing execution process for assigned categories or sub-categories (subcategory or moderate spend category, supply base complexity, cross functional impact, risk).

Develop key strategic partnerships that create long-term, win-win commitments between our organizations and drive improvements in the area of cost, quality, delivery, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Maintains a comprehensive understanding of the Category as it relates to business requirements, risk, knowledge of market trends and external insights, including rigorous analysis of the market drivers, cost structures and technical advances.

Conducts/leads supplier management activities for key preferred suppliers. Ensuring alignment with the overall Category governance structure and properly engaging across levels. This includes leading negotiations with suppliers.

Leads executive and leadership level discussions / category updates on a regular basis.

Actively assess the overall supply base for the category.  Take appropriate action to onboard, develop or terminate as needed.  Lead complex sourcing events based upon subject matter, supplier level engagement, stakeholder level engagement, etc.

This position may include supervision of an individual or small team and/or ability to mentor junior team members to provide general guidance, ensure policy and business processes are followed.

MUST HAVE QUALIFICATIONS:

Required BA or BS in Supply Chain, Business Management, Engineering, or related field of study.

Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in Operations, Supply Chain Planning, Sourcing or related functional area.

Ability to develop business case evaluations, have a strong background in market research, and ability to negotiate win-win contracts and solutions.

Lead and/or participate in cross-functional projects, bring sourcing insights to drive category strategies, support product development, operational improvements and process innovations.

Ability to develop a Category Strategy based on a deep understanding of short- and long-term corporate strategies.

NICE-TO-HAVE QUALIFICATIONS: 

Advanced in problem solving with the ability to coach others.  Effective in the identification and resolution of issues, concerns, or problems using formal problem-solving techniques

Ability to teach, coach and mentor all levels of cross-functional individuals in Supplier Management principles.

COMPENSATION: 

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to work experience, education, geographic location, certifications, etc. Your recruiter can share more about the specific compensation package for your preferred role during the hiring process. Successful candidates in this role are expected to earn $108,941 - $168,859/year.