Supply Chain: Category Manager

Nature's Way•Green Bay, WI

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Category Manager is part of the Strategic Sourcing team and is responsible for developing category management strategies that are aligned with Nature’s Way’s business requirements and objectives. They will execute these strategies to support the organization’s long-term goals and short-term business plans. This role involves developing sourcing and supplier negotiation strategies, identifying and developing strategic partners, and presenting category management strategies to leadership. The Category Manager will manage the RFP process, including preparing requests, selecting participants, reviewing proposals, negotiating contracts and prices, and awarding business based on Total Cost of Ownership analyses. They will also work cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Product Development, and QA Teams to support new product development and manage supplier relationships throughout projects. Leading supplier business meetings, managing supplier performance through scorecards, and developing market intelligence within assigned categories are key aspects of this role. The Category Manager will also establish close working relationships with other cross-functional areas to ensure understanding and support of strategic sourcing perspectives.

Requirements

Must have 2 years experience in Category & Sourcing in a Supply Chain setting
Must be legally authorized to work in the Unites States, no sponsorships of any kind
Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Operations Management or a related field and a minimum of five years of related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Candidates must already be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills
Supplier negotiating and contract management skills
Proven ability to lead cross functional teams in the resolution of product supply issues, execution of supply agreements, and delivery of cost improvement projects
Strong analytical, problem solving, and business acumen skills
Strategic thinking skills
Project management skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications

Nice To Haves

ISM (Institute for Supply Management) or ASCM (Association for Supply Chain Management) certification is desired
Experience with cGMP regulations and dietary supplement/pharmaceutical supply chain is preferred

Responsibilities

Develop sourcing strategies and execute supplier negotiation strategies.
Identify and develop strategic partners that will provide Nature’s Way with additional resources, innovation, and a competitive edge.
Develop & execute category management strategies, based on organizational requirements to align with current & future market conditions to provide top-line value, improvement to the total cost of ownership model, decrease supply disruption risk, and improve supply chain agility.
Present category management strategies to department and senior leadership.
Manage the RFP process. Prepare the request, select participants, review proposals, negotiate contracts and prices with suppliers, and award the business based on Total Cost of Ownership analyses.
Work cross functionally with Sales, Marketing, Product Development, and QA Teams to support new product development. Own and manage the supplier relationship throughout the project.
Effectively lead supplier business meetings with strategic partners and preferred suppliers to drive business value. Involve other functional partners to resolve issues and drive continued supplier development.
Develop and manage supplier relationships to deliver reliable product supply and total cost effectiveness while meeting or exceeding all customer service, compliance, product requirements, and key performance metrics including material and process selection for purchases, negotiating supply agreements, and establishing supplier performance metrics.
Manage supplier performance with feedback through monthly scorecards to mitigate risk, support performance improvement, and proactively identify issues. Act as a trusted business advisor by managing and driving resolution of supplier issues and escalating as needed. Develop risk mitigation plans and be a major contributor to the Supplier Risk Mitigation Program.
Provide subject matter expertise for the assigned categories through complete understanding of the industry, the competitive landscape, the suppliers, price changes/volatility, emerging markets, and future technologies/innovations. Communicate potential opportunities to the business.
Establish close working relationships with other cross functional areas (e. g. Quality, Manufacturing, Regulatory, Inventory, Product Development, Technical Manufacturing, and Marketing) to ensure full understanding and support of strategic sourcing’s perspective to key processes.
Develop market intelligence within assigned categories including supply/demand, cost drivers, material indexes, benchmarks, and mergers & acquisitions in the industry to mitigate supply and cost risk. Identify potential hedging opportunities.

Benefits

Medical Option to select either a PPO plan or one of 2 high – deductible medical plans that includes a company contribution to your personal health savings bank account.
Dental Delta Dental PPO & an option to select an enhanced dental plan.
Vision Routine preventative coverage under medical plan and an option to elect additional voluntary coverage
All employees receive 11 holidays off per year, as well as paid time off that starts at a minimum of two weeks per year.
401K Plan Company match of up to 4% as long as employees contribute a minimum of 6% to the account. An additional profit-sharing contribution is also made to employee accounts if the company meets its annual targets.
Company provided short-term & long-term disability
Life and AD&D insurance
Flexible spending accounts
Voluntary critical illness & accident coverage
New parent phase-in program & paternity leave
Educational assistance reimbursement
Product discounts & a wellness program
Free Fitness Center