Category Manager

Agilent Technologies•Wilmington, NC

19h

About The Position

As a member of Agilent's Global Supply Chain and Logistics team, the Category Manager for is responsible for delivering on Agilent's growth and margin improvement strategies by proactively managing supplier relationships to ensure product availability, quality, and profitability, while bringing new products to market in a fast-paced environment. Position Responsibilities: Strategic Category Analysis & Direction Setting Partner and Stakeholder Alignment Develop a strong understanding of business requirements. Work with partners to clearly understand their direction and needs Internalize the requirements and define what needs to be delivered to meet their needs, also identify additional opportunities to deliver new value-add Develop a strong understanding of the supply market, its capability, direction, trends, etc. Understand who the best suppliers are; the niches they serve, their capability, etc. Align sourcing strategy to support key stakeholder's short and long-term requirements Strategy Development Provide partners with the highest quality products and services Periodically survey partners to assess changing business or technology needs Work with management to translate the business requirements into objectives and goals for the Category Lead the development of the Category strategy. Develop the appropriate initiatives to achieve the strategy and meet business requirements Establish sourcing targets based on the business needs and requirements. Develop the appropriate sourcing strategy and initiatives and plans to meet and / or exceed the targets. Also, develop the appropriate supplier performance expectations utilizing the TQRDC categories. Ensure expectations are tied to business needs. Communicate any changes in expectations in a timely manner Establish the total cost of ownership targets based on business requirements. Implement the appropriate initiatives to meet and/or exceed targets Strategy Execution & Management Execute and maintain the Category strategy. Report progress and results to management and business partners regularly Manage the worldwide supply base in accordance with the category strategy Evaluate changes in business requirements and conditions; update strategy accordingly Category Management: Analysis and Execution Stay current with industry developments for the Category. Conduct research using various sources such as trade journals, internet, ISM, business news and internal and external networking Maintain a basic technical knowledge Keep supply market data up to date. Maintain an in-depth understanding of the supply market, understand suppliers' positions within the market, the niches they serve; competition, new market entrants; etc. Maintain continuous assurance of supply - serve as an escalation point for AOS issues Sourcing: Supplier Evaluation & Selection Evaluates production and R&D requirements. Determines if a current supplier can meet the needs Identifies, evaluates, and selects new suppliers that meet Agilent's business requirements. Conducts supplier audits for the engineers to properly evaluate potential suppliers Prepares and evaluates quotation packages. Establish cost standards and analyze variances for new parts/products. Drive cost optimization throughout the supply chain and provide reporting. Ensure supply base is able to meet current and future business requirements Prior to selecting a new supplier, assesses the need for a contract, establishes performance expectations, and reviews financial stability Upon supplier selection, develops and negotiates the appropriate contracts that protect Agilent's interests; gets the best total cost, and minimizes business risk. Review and discuss their business recovery plan and succession plan if this is a critical part or supplier Contract and Cost Management Develops and negotiates the appropriate contracts that protect Agilent's interests; gets the best total cost, and minimizes business risk. Review and discuss their business recovery plan and succession plan if this is a critical part or supplier Conduct the appropriate analysis for the Category to analyze 'total cost' and set the appropriate targets. Utilize the appropriate tools ('should cost models' or other forms of analysis) to ensure cost structure is optimized relative to external benchmarks Supplier Performance Management Execute TQRDC surveys, analyzes data, and prepare supplier feedback. Meet with management to share supplier results, plans and gain their support. Meets with top suppliers at least annually to review direction, assure alignment, and review performance results. Hold suppliers accountable for meeting commitments and performance expectations. Work with suppliers to develop performance improvement plans (as needed) and monitor progress Ensure quality management expectations are set. Hold suppliers accountable for meeting quality requirements (quality, on-time delivery etc.) Ensure Agilent's SQSR's are met based on corporate guidelines. Monitors environmental requirements and ensures compliance Risk Analysis and Management Conduct appropriate risk analysis; identify options and work to minimize risk from impacting business Supplier Liability Reporting: accountable for reporting and representing inventory liability data per contractual purchase agreements

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
8+ years of relevant experience in strategic sourcing, category management, or supply chain management.
Global sourcing experience and working with international suppliers.
Proficiency in strategic sourcing methodologies , supplier evaluation, and contract negotiation.
Experience with TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) and TQRDC (Technology, Quality, Responsiveness, Delivery, Cost) frameworks.
Ability to conduct risk analysis and develop mitigation strategies.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at all levels.
Strong project management and change management skills.
Excellent negotiation , presentation , and communication skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, matrixed, and global environment .
Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
Experience with e-sourcing tools , supplier management platforms, and data analytics tools (e.g., Power BI, Excel).
Familiarity with contract management systems and procurement platforms.