Sr. Category Specialist

Glanbia•Downers Grove, IL

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Sr. Procurement Category Specialist will be accountable for providing both tactical and strategic support to a Category Manager/s. Strategic responsibilities will include developing and executing regional procurement strategies and leveraging foundational procurement principals to ensure continuity of supply, superior cost management and uncompromising stewardship. Tactical activities include daily management tasks of assigned categories including quality and supply assurance issues, supplier relationship management, contract adherence and pricing reconciliation. The role will also act as a back-up for other procurement specialist roles for system administration and act as a back-up for Category Managers as needed. This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 2 days in the Downers Grove, IL office and will report to Sr. Category Manager.

Requirements

Demonstrated Procurement Knowledge: Understanding the procurement process, from identifying needs and supplier selection to negotiating contracts and managing relationships. A strong foundation in procurement principles is crucial.
Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze complex data, compare supplier offers, and evaluate performance. Understanding cost structures and being able to derive insights “tell a story”With data is key.
Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to quickly identify problems or challenges in the procurement process (such as delays or discrepancies) and find practical solutions.
Communication Skills: The ability to clearly communicate with suppliers, internal stakeholders, and team members. Writing clear emails, reports, and making presentations are important in this role.
Attention to Detail: Ensuring that procurement activities, contracts, and data delivered is accurate.
Time Management: Superior organization to allow managing multiple tasks and deadlines efficiently.
Project Management Skills: Being able to manage small projects or tasks within the procurement process, such as sourcing, risk mitigation, or supplier management, in a timely and organized manner.
Supplier Relationship Management: Building rapport with suppliers and handling day-to-day communications/operational requirements.
Understanding of Market Conditions: Knowledge of the industry and market trends relevant to responsible category support. This includes understanding factors that affect pricing and availability.
Collaboration: Requires significant interaction and cooperation with those outside of Procurement including suppliers, supply chain, R&D and others.
Adaptability and Willingness to Learn: Being adaptable and open to feedback will help improve performance.
Technology Proficiency: Being comfortable using procurement software, Excel, or other dashboard tools to support tasks such as reporting, process routing and raw material management.
Knowledge of Contract Terms: Demonstrated understanding of contract terminology and the ability to assist with drafting or reviewing contracts will be beneficial.
Requires a Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university in Finance, Supply Chain, Business Management or Engineering
3 years of related experience required, 2 years in a strategic procurement role preferred
Experience working with procurement systems including SAP, Ariba, Business Objects, JDA.
Strong Written and Oral Communication Skills
Fluent in English
Strong Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Aptitude, Problem Solving and Analytical Skills
High attention to detail/organization - maintain appropriate records, files, correspondence, etc.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Contract Terms: Demonstrated understanding of contract terminology and the ability to assist with drafting or reviewing contracts will be beneficial.

Responsibilities

Cultivate deep understanding of assigned categories to be able to identify and quantify risks and opportunities.
Develop a pipeline of projects, working with leadership and key stakeholders to align resources for support as needed.
Required to develop and present category strategies to leadership. A strategic mindset is a critical skill in this role to ensure a total cost of ownership for each category.
Demonstrate ability to model various business scenarios and analyze resulting costs, impacts, risks, and benefits to inform and recommend business solutions.
Understanding of financial measurement; ability to identify and quantify legitimate areas of business benefit (cost savings, avoidance, client satisfaction, quality improvement, etc.)
Lead sourcing activities for category managers, including inquiries, negotiations, RFQ-management, supplier follow-up, etc. as required to meet the business need.
Support savings tracking processes, measure contract compliance and other key metrics to ensure targets are being met and value is being delivered to the business.
Exhibit ability to know when and how to escalate to management in order to make best use of both Glanbia and Supplier resources.
Establish a reputation built on trust and credibility both internal and external to the business.
Travel Requirements: 0-10%; Some travel required for supplier meetings, internal manufacturing site visits and tradeshows.
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.