Category Manager

Electrical Components International•Southfield, MI

43d•Onsite

About The Position

ECI is seeking a dynamic Category Manager to join our Southfield, Michigan team. As a Category Manager, you'll shape commodity strategies, spearhead cost-saving projects, manage contracts and pricing negotiations, and build strong relationships with both internal stakeholders and key suppliers to ensure business objectives are met. Who We Are Founded in 1953, Electrical Components International (ECI) is one of the world's leading suppliers of electrical distribution systems, control box assemblies, and other critical engineered components for diversified markets. With 20,000 employees and 39 global manufacturing locations, ECI is the trusted partner to market leaders with 450+ customers. At ECI, we power smart, connected, and electrified solutionsTM that help solve the most complex challenges. Since 2020, we have embarked on a successful journey to transform the company, delivering significant value to our customers, investors and employees. As part of our strategic plan, we have defined key pillars to support and accelerate on our growth trajectory. One of these core pillars is focused on driving excellence through enhanced capabilities, tools and processes. Key Responsibilities The Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing category purchasing strategies for terminals and connectors that drive business growth, cost savings, and supplier performance. This strategic sourcing responsibility includes developing overall commodity strategies which includes identifying and implementing cost savings initiatives, project management and implementation, contract and pricing negotiations, building relationships with key internal stakeholders and suppliers to manage business expectations and requirements.

Requirements

Bachelors Degree, Business, Operations or Engineering (highly preferred)
Minimum of 5 years of Strategic Purchasing/Sourcing experience, including Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) improvement program development & implementation
Purchasing Commodity Strategy Development
Strong working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems
Strong ability in reading and managing data to drive business decisions.
Experience with Lean manufacturing methodologies
Ability to lead, influence and drive change in a cross-functional team environment
Strong Analytical and Technical Skills
Experience working with Engineering, Supply Chain, Marketing and Operations
Capability to generate an energizing vision for change
Provide leadership and focus on purchasing strategic goals
Professional oral & written communication and presentation skills
Able to travel 10 - 20%, including internationally, as required
Strong ability to influence without authority
Ability to take business strategy and synthesize supporting sourcing strategies
Strong change management and organization transformation skills
Program/contracts management and negotiations knowledge
Highly results oriented and focused on business priorities
Skilled in persuasion, negotiation and problem resolution
Strong leadership and influencing skills to drive results globally

Nice To Haves

Masters of Business Administration (MBA) or Masters of Engineering or Operations preferred
Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing training and certification preferred
Supply Chain Certification (i.e., CPM, CPIM, etc.) desirable

Responsibilities

Develop and implement category plans based on market trends, spend analysis, and business objectives.
Develop a best-in-class supply base for all facets of the business, both White Goods & New Markets
Identify, evaluate, and manage key suppliers to ensure quality, reliability, and value.
Increasing working capital turnover though payment terms and the implementation of supply strategies, in conjunction with Supply Chain team, such as Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), Kanban, Consignment, etc.
Lead negotiations on pricing, contracts, and service agreements to achieve optimal value for the organization.
Improve supplier quality and on-time delivery performance.
Develop robust supplier relationships through appropriate interaction that instructs suppliers on key ECI business initiatives, ethics and growth plans
Act as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) on assigned purchased categories and supply base
Monitor category performance, market conditions, and emerging trends to identify opportunities and mitigate risks.
Develop systems/processes to achieve defect free supplier performance (Quality, Delivery, Responsiveness & Cost - QDRC).
Focus on continuous improvement and improved supplier Total Cost of Ownership performance.
Proactively communicate with top level management on supplier sourcing issues.
Act as a liaison with other functional leaders and corporate support team.
Partner with internal stakeholders (Finance, Operations, Marketing, Legal, etc.) to align category initiatives with company goals.
Track and manage category budgets, driving cost efficiencies and strategic sourcing initiatives.
Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for category and supplier performance.
Identify and implement process improvements, innovative sourcing strategies, and sustainability initiatives.