Category Manager

EOS•Erie, CO

33d

About The Position

The Category Manager is responsible for the strategy and performance of assigned spend categories. This role balances the selection and development of strategic suppliers, negotiation of contracts, facilitation of new sourcing projects, supplier relationship management and cross-functional partnership to deliver cost, service and risk objectives aligned with business priorities.

Requirements

Knowledge of relevant categories of spend and suppliers therein.
Ability to influence product design standards, implement process control, and quality systems.
Understands product requirements and offers innovative solutions.
Sourcing/purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment with some knowledge of MRP and inventory replenishment strategies
Ability to influence within a dynamic team and operating environment.
Demonstrates strong organizational and follow up skills.
Strong analytical, financial and communication skills.
Ability to read technical drawings.
High ethical standards.
Excellent written, verbal, analytical, negotiating and interpersonal skills
Bachelor's degree required
Minimum of 5 years' experience

Nice To Haves

Lean Manufacturing, DMF, and/or Six Sigma preferred.
Experience with project management is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement category strategies aligned with business needs.
Manage the overall relationship with Suppliers & develop road map with strategic suppliers
Negotiate, implement and monitor compliance of supply agreements with strategic suppliers.
Partner closely with legal department in the development of effective supply agreements.
Drive and ensure suppliers are held accountable to meet continuous improvement initiatives both from a strategic perspective including capacity, quality control and continuous improvement, risk management, business continuity cost reduction and value creation on a year-over-year basis.
Ensure Supplier and overall category strategy have the capacity to enable continuity of supply and ability to provide required technical and operational capability.
Manage pricing and discounts/rebates of assigned categories and suppliers
Rationalize/optimize the categories’ supply base balancing between cost and risk.
Understand and monitor current commodity market conditions/trends, developing technologies, supply chain capacity/ capability, product knowledge, customer requirements and supply/demand challenges.
Develop cost baseline for commodity & inflation forecasts for assigned categories of spend.
Establish a strong network and foster collaboration with customers, suppliers, key stakeholders, and category team members.