Category Manager

POET • Sioux Falls, SD

12d • Onsite

About The Position

At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty-five years, our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products in the world. CULTURE IS KING AT POET We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s the way we do things at POET. We provide an environment for team members to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s the best way to optimize health, wellness, and productivity in a sustainable way. We work hard. We play hard. We have frequent team events, volunteer efforts, and we know how to celebrate wins! JOB SUMMARY & RESPONSIBILITIES As a Category Manager, you will be responsible for the strategic approach to sourcing assigned products for POET Bioprocessing and POET Design & Construction. You will manage vendor relationships, negotiate the best value for POET, perform strategic analysis and be responsible for decision-making. Become highly knowledgeable in your categories and ensure appropriate risk management through thorough execution. The Category Manager’s role is to provide as much value to POET through negotiation, strategic development, and critical thinking as possible. This role is part of a strategic hiring initiative to add over 20 new team members to support our growing organization. This is an on-site role located in Sioux Falls, SD.

Requirements

• Degree in business or technical field and 2+ years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience negotiating and managing contracts.
• Demonstrated leadership, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Comfortable presenting in front of a room of business leaders.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and prioritize effectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills, possessing a high degree of professionalism and customer service.
• Strong strategic and analytical skills to include complex analysis.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, decision-making, and problem solving abilities.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills as well as the ability to adapt to change.
• Positive, Honest, and Concise.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic and changing environment.
• Eager to learn and change the world.

Responsibilities

• Fostering relationships with strategic suppliers to create innovative and collaborative partnerships.
• Drives long-term strategies to generate supply chain improvements and efficiencies.
• Support strategies and processes to maintain optimum inventory levels that serve the production process.
• Leads, negotiates and administers contracts with suppliers, vendors, and other representatives to drive best value.
• Evaluates and monitors contract performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
• Supports and maintains risk management strategies.
• Researches and evaluates suppliers based on factors including, but not limited to, cost, service, quality, ability to supply, and innovation.
• Maintains a continuous improvement mindset.
• Developing strong relationships with key stakeholders and clearly understanding their priorities.
• Continuously striving for better service and greater value for our stakeholders.
• May have a small team of direct reports or be an individual contributor that leads through influence.
• Partners with other procurement team members to ensure accurate and timely delivery with excellent customer service to our stakeholders across the organization.
• Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skills may be put to a lot of other uses!

Benefits

• For eligible team members Comprehensive benefits package: Individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution Quarterly Profit-Sharing Bonuses and Bi-Annual Incentive Bonuses Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions 401K with company match Paid time off and paid holidays – 40 hours available on day ONE! Paid Parental Leave Tuition reimbursement Attractive Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions and/or locations OTHER PERKS For eligible team members A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements Discounted home and auto insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees