Location: Remote 

Opportunity

As a Kohler strategic procurement Category Manager, this role is responsible for the financial and operational performance within the Marketing and Communications category spend.

Responsible for category performance globally, at a corporate level, for all business units. Accountable for all supplier selection decisions within category. Prepares and evaluates supplier quotations and services to determine most competitive solution based upon a total cost of ownership. Responsible for financial and contractual negotiations within category. Relies on extensive industry knowledge, experience, and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Responsible for setting performance objectives and strategy within category. Conducts multi-functional supplier performance management reviews. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is required.

Specific Responsibilities

• Manage the design and implementation of Category Strategy
• Lead strategy development through team formation, research, evaluation, and execution
• Deliver on risk reduction and increases to service levels
• Understand and incorporate industry direction and best practice
• Manage key existing vendor relationships and performance
• Evaluate and support the additions of new agencies and partners as needed
• Guide and mentor peers on strategy and industry best practice
• Identify, plan, and execute projects and initiatives focused on achieving TCO reduction goals
• Proactively identify future areas of opportunity to address cost, building a pipeline of value to be executed through a variety of professional sourcing approaches
• Work closely with and drive supplier VAVE / ideation for cost and value potential
• Drive cross-functional engagement
• Manage and defend against unforeseen cost increases using various negotiation tactics to minimize unfavorable impacts to Kohler
• Support strategic project execution
• Strategize and manage the approach to agreement renewals
• Cross-functional RFx development, roll-out, and evaluation; including supplier selection, proposal analysis, and negotiation
• Raise demand management considerations to ensure effective and efficient spending
• Identify contractual needs and establish agreements that accommodate
• Support (and contribute to) internal stakeholder timelines and budgets