Category Manager

Job Description

Job Summary

This position is responsible for overall sourcing strategy development and implementation for assigned categories of products/services in Purchasing group. This includes working cross functionally across CCM to determine the sourcing needs of the organization, understanding the associated spend market supply dynamics, and working with existing or potential suppliers to develop and implement optimal sourcing strategies to maximize the value (cost reduction, continuous improvement, supply continuity, product/service quality). This position interacts often with internal stakeholders at a high level. Candidates must be comfortable reporting on projects and service programs to Director & VP level periodically. This role relies on strong leadership and drive towards results, a high degree of internal and external relationship management, technical aptitude, excellent data analytical abilities and effective communication and organizational skills. Standard hours of operation will be Monday- Friday, 8 am to 5pm, with the possibility of 20% travel time throughout the year.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement category sourcing strategies for assigned categories of spend in accordance with CCMs purchasing policies and procedures, utilizing competitive sourcing levers.
• Categories of spend handled are higher in complexity and spend size compared to those handled by a Category Manager.
• Review of spend for services or supplies and identify opportunities for harmonization and increased spend leverage nationwide over 50+ manufacturing locations.
• Provide supply market insights in the assigned category to the organization to assist stakeholder community in anticipating strategic opportunities.
• Works in conjunction with manufacturing/engineering/R&D and suppliers to evaluate business/technical requirements/designs and develop effective sourcing strategies maximizing the total cost of ownership for CCM.
• Continuous assessment of CCM requirements and supply market conditions for opportunity identification and recommends value added projects/opportunities.
• Negotiates multi-year supply contracts with suppliers with terms to mitigate risk and maximize value to CCM.
• Acts as the primary relationship manager with supplier for assigned categories – Acts as an interface between supplier and business.
• Identifies and develops new sources and/or works with existing sources on current supply needs and future opportunities.
• Supplier relationship management activities to manage risk, improve performance and add value to CCM.
• Serve as supply chain subject matter expert for assigned category of spend.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in category management and strategic sourcing, with a focus on driving cost savings and process efficiencies in the assigned spend categories.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities. Be able to research data from multiple sources (industry data, market intel sources, internal spend data) draw inferences.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Understanding of purchasing practices.
• Business understanding of end-to-end supply chain processes.
• Proficiency in SAP and Microsoft programs.

Education and Experience:

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field.Minimum of 5 years’ related experience.
• Preferred: MBA or Master’s Degree in related field 6+ years of related experience Relevant industry certifications (CPSM, CPIM etc.)Prior Management experience

Working Conditions:

• Individual will operate primarily in an office setting, with a hybrid flexibility to work from a home part of the week.
• Individual will occasionally be in a plant environment where it may be dirt, dusty, and hotter/colder than office settings.
• Working Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm.