MAJOR FUNCTION Having a regional responsibility and covering production sites within the Americas region, the Category Manager (CM) is involved with purchases and suppliers that have medium to high impact on the organization’s products, processes, and budget. The Category Manager has an overall responsibility to create, maintain, and improve inbound supply chains for Production Companies and Distribution centers. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Continuously monitor and develop Quality, Delivery, and Cost performance of the supply base combined with best-in-industry financials (working capital, payment terms, Inventory values). Prepare and evaluate RFPs/RFQs, negotiate prices and terms with suppliers in support of company objectives. Identify and select suppliers based on total cost of ownership including quality and delivery performance. Cover the spend with written agreements. Develop long term Category Strategies to best support Nilfisk Strategies. Proactively search for new technology solutions and share & discuss them with R&D and Product Management. Manage stakeholders including R&D, Quality, Production, Logistics and Product Management Build and maintain a strong project pipeline that includes negotiation, resourcing, optimization and VA/VE elements. Work in close cooperation with stakeholders to execute the Pipeline Projects in which the Category Manager is responsible for the commercial execution (mainly negotiation/optimization). MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Economics or similar; Master’s degree strongly preferred. Minimum of 5 years of experience in Engineered Metal / Plastic category, preferably in a manufacturing environment. KNOWLEDGE AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES: Ability to understand business issues and develops projects to address them as necessary High level of intelligence; team player Strong negotiation skills Integrity, professional ethics, a sense of humor and self-starter Highly articulate, with excellent listening skill; someone who can effectively adapt mode and style appropriately to the audience and situation; is comfortable and effective with visible personalities Exceptional interpersonal skills; excellent written and verbal communications skills Calm under pressure, demonstrates confidence to operate at senior levels Strong strategic and analytical thinker High energy level; ability to organize and manage multiple priorities Excellent oral and written communication skills COMPUTER SKILLS: Proficiency in use of MS (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) Working knowledge of ERP systems, such as BAAN and SAP Capability to learn new software Working conditions: Requires some travel #LI-SR1 Let’s create a cleaner future together Clean is changing. Today, cleaning is a key contributor to health and safety, and a new clean is emerging, driven by technology and innovation. At Nilfisk we are a driving force in this development, and we work as one team with one agenda, supporting each other across an exciting, dynamic organization. Being part of Nilfisk means having the freedom to speak your mind and do what you do best. You will thrive by having a hands-on approach and the drive to bring your great ideas to life. At Nilfisk you can lead, innovate and collaborate for a cleaner future. Are you ready to make a change? Any job offer will be contingent upon proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Nilfisk will evaluate any legitimate requests for medical or religious accommodation. Nilfisk, Inc., is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity