Category Manager – Procurement

There is an immediate opening for an Indirect Strategic Sourcing Category Manager within the Procurement organization. The candidate must have knowledge of market trends and experience negotiating complex, mission-critical sourcing opportunities to serve as a thought partner delivering value-added solutions. The candidate will lead the strategic sourcing lifecycle, executing targeted sourcing strategies for business partners and assigned product categories. In this role, the candidate will transform the traditional procurement model by forging value-added partnerships with business stakeholders. Further, the position is charged with understanding the capabilities, dynamics and competitive factors in the associated supply markets. Using an established Category Management approach, the position is charged with leading the development and execution of coherent, consistent strategies for spending, pricing and vendor selection that drive toward enhanced value and breakthrough savings.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Leadership and management of an assigned spend area of goods & services
• Analyzes market to find ways to reduce costs and improve quality
• Performs growth, efficiency and/or cost analyses
• Manages RFP and vendor selection process
• Provides information and support for budget planning and reporting
• Evaluates, monitors, negotiates and implements contracts and renewals
• Implementation of those strategies in pursuit of breakthrough delivery of improved value to the business
• Development of expertise in the relevant supply markets involved in the assigned spend area
• Negotiation and establishment of pricing and terms of sale for assigned spend area.
• On an ongoing basis, evaluate risk, threats and opportunities in the global materials marketplace; Recommend and facilitate changes as needs and opportunities arise.
• Development and maintenance of excellent commercial relationships within existing and potential vendor community that create a climate of service, innovation and continually improving value.
• Support in the development of the required strategies, skills, support & delivery systems involved in management and execution in assigned spend areas
• Awareness and involvement in the entire scope of Procurement activities, including but not limited to project implementations
• Challenge of existing ways of working in pursuit of opportunities for cost reduction, value improvement and application of lean processes.
• Awareness of spend patterns and organizational behaviors within assigned spend area

Job Specifications/Requirements:

• 6 or more years of relevant procurement experience (must include indirect categories experience)
• BA/BS required.
• MBA and PMP preferred.
• Ability to work in a team environment and have excellent communications skills both verbal and written.
• High Level of proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
• Proficient in Project Management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Great Plains skills.
• Demonstrated ability to gather, analyze and draw conclusions from quantitative data.
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to communicate and engage at all levels at all organizational levels; ability to cultivate and sustain high quality professional relationships
• Reports to a Vice President, Procurement and Strategic Sourcing.