Category Manager II

Overview

The Category Manager will be part of a team that is responsible for the procurement of Assigned Categories. This includes ensuring materials standards are met; and managing outside vendors through the processes of qualifying, obtaining quotes, examining bids and making award decisions. You will focus on assisting in developing category strategies for sourcing finished goods as well as the raw materials goods. Ability to identify primary raw material cost drivers of the finished goods and understand the current Global Indices that affects the overall cost of our finished good products.

• The Category Manager will be part of a team that is responsible for the procurement of Assigned Categories. This includes ensuring materials standards are met; and managing outside vendors through the processes of qualifying, obtaining quotes, examining bids and making award decisions. You will focus on assisting in developing category strategies for sourcing finished goods as well as the raw materials goods. Ability to identify primary raw material cost drivers of the finished goods and understand the current Global Indices that affects the overall cost of our finished good products.
• Also be required to maintain detailed documentation and effectively communicate with Commercial, Operations, Product Management and technical support teams.
• Considerations for safety, quality and delivery are required in all manufacturing decisions. The team member should be able to perform within the principles of Just-in-Time and Total Quality Management systems/processes.
• This individual will work together with the Global Category Manager in developing year over year AOP projects, training of Buyer/Planners plus support the Assigned Categories in unspecified activities as needed.
• The Category Manager is a focal point for Materials Supervisors, Engineering, Quality, Finance, Product Management, Business Unit and Global Supply Chain management during supplier negotiations, pricing adjustment discussions, invoice resolution, delivery issues, selections, rating of supplier performance and maintaining supplier relationships.

• Solicit quotations, perform cost analysis functions, lead cross functional teams to achieve program and project cost goals.
• Participate in supplier selections and the ISO supplier audit procedure.
• Work with NPD (new product development) team members to insure efficient introduction of new designs to full production.
• Work with Engineering and the Global Category Manager to source new suppliers and/or work with current suppliers for finished goods/component supply for new designs.
• Interface with Product Management, Operations / Productions, Planning, QA, Sales, Engineering to achieve the smooth flow of Finished goods and services to maintain committed schedules to customers.
• Maintain current knowledge of market conditions that affect overall cost (i.e. Surcharge, Energy, Tariff etc.), lead time, and availability of raw material applicable to the Assigned Categories.
• Maintain aggressive follow-up process to ensure quality and schedule compliance.
• Assist with the development of a Global Category Data Base with all relevant information on the market, products and suppliers to support procurement product management and engineering.
• Continuously improve supplier performance to meet business requirements and aligning suppliers with Global business needs.
• Participate in supplier quarterly reviews and communicate expectations.
• Work closely with Global Category Manager in negotiating long-term agreements and price adjustments.
• Must meet or exceed Key Performance Indicators on cost, quality and delivery.

Meaningful knowledge of: Procurement process. Supplier relationship management. ERP systems as applicable to planning & purchasing.

Skilled: written and verbal communication skills with Microsoft Suite software (Excel, Word, Power Point) and negotiation capability.

Strong: Analytical and project management skills; teamwork and leadership; ability to meet supply chain goals, reduce total landed costs and develop supplier partnerships; establish priorities and manage time effectively; apply problem solving techniques; sufficient technical writing skills to prepare process documentation; provide preventive/corrective actions through advanced problem-solving skills; travel to vendor and Business unit operating sites, globally; passport required; BA or BS Degree; 2-5 years of experience in a global manufacturing environment; managed multiple contract manufacturers and company inventory sites.

As needed