Sourcing Category Manager

ProDriven Global Brands•Austin, TX

21h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Sourcing Category Manager is responsible for managing commercial relationships with Suppliers in assigned core commodity and product category areas across the organization. Independently, and in collaboration with Suppliers and other key internal stakeholders, this position will develop and execute category, contract and other best in class supply management strategies to secure supply, control risk, manage costs and support new product development. This individual will lead the development and execution of supply base management strategies that support the Operational, Commercial and Technical requirements of the business. Presently this position is in a hybrid status with a minimum of 4 days a week in the office for collaboration, teamwork, and business needs. The status and minimum in-office requirements are subject to change based on evolving business needs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business/finance, engineering, or related field preferred or equivalent work experience required
5 ~ 7 years of Direct experience in progressive Procurement, with at least 3 years of direct materials category management experience
3+ years of project/program management experience in a supply chain, procurement, product development, or manufacturing environment with an understanding of Sourcing, Materials Management, and Logistics
Experience with Direct Materials categories, including specific commodities (Textiles, Fall Protection, Fasteners, Fabricated Metals, Hardware, & Locks) and /or Finished Goods sourcing.
Intermediate level Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint skills
Intermediate level Microsoft Excel skills
Assertive, self-starter and possess ability to work independently
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Adaptability & Multi-tasking
Strong communication, interpersonal, and facilitation skills
Excellent negotiation and cost management skills
Influential, working through others, and teamwork. Strong ability to drive and execute change
High organization with attention to details & managing competing priorities
Excel in highly matrixed and cross functional environment, flexible

Nice To Haves

Preferred certifications: CPM, CPSM, CPIM, PMP, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Green Belt
Language Skills a Plus (English, Spanish, Mandarin)

Responsibilities

Develop and execute strategic sourcing and other supply management strategies that drive continuous improvements in supplier performance, reduce costs, minimize risk and harvest innovation across the supply base.
Develop, negotiate and manage LTA’s with key suppliers (contract manufactures) that minimize risk and total cost of ownership (TCO).
Consistently transform & optimize the supply base through deployment of strategic sourcing tools & processes.
Build and maintain successful and effective business relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Develop and present cost models to understand cost drivers of purchased components and/or services and utilize negotiation and cost management tools to obtain best in class pricing on all components and/or services.
Monitor market trends and maintain high level of subject matter expertise in defined areas of responsibility.
Establish and communicate supplier performance expectations, monitor and drive compliance with suppliers.
Ensure continuity of supply by proactively managing critical supply issues, secure and maintain effective supplier capacity to meet current and future needs.
Visit supplier manufacturing facilities to evaluate capacity, processes, secondary operations, value add, size, systems, etc.
Develop and present costs associated with product as designed as well as alternative designs and new technology during planning and concept design phases
Introduce new suppliers, products, processes, and technologies to Design and Engineering to give our brands a competitive advantage
Identify and develop ideas for cost reduction through consolidation of suppliers and requirements, alternative sourcing, labor reduction, warranty reduction, working capital reduction, and value analysis / value engineering
Lead cross-functional and supplier team meetings in the execution of sourcing initiatives, cost reduction & productivity projects.
Performs other duties as assigned within the scope of responsibilities and requirements of the job
Performs Essential Job Functions and Duties with or without reasonable accommodation