Category Specialist

JB Poindexter & Co•Houston, TX

About The Position

JB Poindexter & Co (JBPCO) is a diversified manufacturing company. The Category Specialist will support Category Managers, Category Directors, and cross-functional teams across assigned categories. This role involves collaborating with Category Managers to review category data, ensure correct part number categorization, and assignment to the appropriate Category Manager. The specialist will also interact with suppliers for pricing, support sourcing strategies, assist in contract negotiations, conduct market analysis, and serve as a liaison between internal customers and suppliers.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or Finance.
1+ Years in Supply Chain or educational equivalent experience.
General business knowledge of sourcing, procurement, contracting, business law and supplier management processes.
Strong customer support focus and team contribution.
Strong written and oral communication; ability to negotiate and persuade others.
Capable of participating and leading cross–functional teams.
Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office capabilities with a solid understanding of Excel and its various utilities.
Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects and tasks.

Nice To Haves

Experience with ERP systems desired (JDE preferred).
Ability to travel up to 30%.

Responsibilities

Interact with assigned suppliers to obtain correct pricing and work with Category Managers to load catalogue files.
Supports the development and implementation of sourcing strategies at the local business in close alignment with the Category Manager, supports sourcing initiatives within a defined set of categories, working closely with key stakeholders to implement local and corporate category strategies.
Under the direction of Category Manager, participates in the preparation and negotiation of agreements with main suppliers, and periodically reviews pricelists, terms, and conditions.
Run benchmark studies, gathers, and analyzes data, and makes recommendations to the category team and for specific strategic sourcing initiatives, performs root cause analysis related to supply challenges or disruptions.
Understand business objectives and internal customer requirements.
Serve as a liaison between internal customers and suppliers to ensure customer satisfaction in regard to implementation issues and supplier integration.
Assist Category Managers / Category Directors to drive productivity improvements such as spend / cost reduction, inventory reduction, supplier selection and supplier resourcing.
Evaluate external market drivers and advise on cost and risk management tactics.
Incorporate safety into daily work ethic.
Perform other duties / tasks as assigned.