Category Manager PT

College of American Pathologists•Northfield, IL

21h•$87,000 - $111,000

About The Position

The Category Manager, PT is responsible for: Manage and oversee Proficiency Testing (PT) category spend and support a broad base of business partners through relationship management and identifying strategic business opportunities. Develop and implement procurement processes and strategies to ensure that procurement operations run effectively, achieve organizational goals/performance KPI’s, and ensure quality programs/services to our members and customers. Support ongoing supplier management efforts including structured scorecards, supplier business reviews, and performance improvement plans. Coordinate with suppliers and internal resources to drive continuous improvement with emphasis on packaging optimization, sustainability, and innovation. Model key behavioral and performance attributes that guide CAP employees including the Leadership Values of Partnership, Respect, Accountability, Communication and Excellence. Demonstrate strong initiative, self-motivation, and ownership in driving category results. Embrace, encourage, and model inclusive leadership with a focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in all hiring and staff decisions. Serve as a packaging subject-matter expert when needed.

Requirements

Excellent communication skills, ability to partner effectively and efficiently across the organization
Strong organizational and leadership skills
Ability to identify, navigate, and influence organizational direction
Strategic and robust leader, analytical/critical thinker, and problem solver
Excellent internal and external negotiation skills
Strong business acumen with ability to explain procurement results and variations to non-procurement audiences
In-depth hands-on knowledge of managing PT spend. Demonstrated cold chain/time sensitive materials/process expertise and regulatory/sustainability considerations for the sourcing and procurement of organic and biological material
Superior knowledge of Strategic Sourcing process. Apply TCO, should-cost, and negotiation playbook to PT category. Ability to conduct process independently and mentor other team members.
Superior Knowledge of Category Management process. Ability to create and conduct multi-year category strategies for the overall PT category and sub-categories, prioritizing opportunities for cost improvement and damage reduction.
Ability to recognize and handle confidential information
Resource allocation and project management
Strong in judgment and critical decision making
Strong customer service orientation including issue resolution and supplier relationship management skills. Advanced supplier relationship management with escalation and issue resolution governance.
PC based software applications, including ERP systems
In-depth knowledge of eSourcing tools capabilities and daily operations. Create category KPI reporting dashboards for savings, performance, and risk tracking.
5 years of professional combined experience in procurement, category management, and strategic sourcing of direct goods and services.
Bachelor’s degree required in Finance, Business, Purchasing or Operations, related field

Nice To Haves

Experience in invitro diagnostics or other clinical laboratories recommended.
CPSM certification or equivalent preferred

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and have full accountability for category management strategies across the corresponding spend in scope.
Develop, implement, and drive strategic sourcing strategic sourcing initiatives to support the category management process. Execute sourcing events using TCO modeling, cost-driver analysis, and cross-functional requirements. Ability to evaluate, develop and onboard new domestic and international suppliers to our portfolio.
Identify continuous improvement opportunities. Drive program efficiency, optimization, and sustainability improvements, internally and with suppliers.
Maintain optimal pricing and services through review of competitive landscape, industry norms, and negotiation of contract terms. Monitor key market indices (whole blood, human tissue/cell lines, animal components, etc.) and incorporate into negotiation strategy.
Assist contract managers and procurement business partners to ensure contract processes meet business needs through quality assessments, process audits and stakeholder feedback. Lead contract lifecycle planning for PT suppliers.
Seek new opportunities for effective procurement and expense reductions. This may include reducing the cost of goods and services, incorporating new technology or improvement/efficiencies in supply base.
Analyze and conduct supplier risk assessments and maintain continuity plans for critical program materials. Lead QBRs, manage scorecards, and drive corrective actions for quality/delivery/service deviations.
Work cross functionally with business partners across the organization to elevate the member/customer experience. Partner with Operations, Quality, R&D/Product Development, Finance, Marketing, and Supply Chain to support legacy programs, new program development, specs and forecasts.
Promote a team approach and a critical thinking environment to facilitate problem solving, empower staff, and inspire trust. Lead change management for the entire packaging category.
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned