Director Category Management- Structural Framing

Establishes, implements, and directs assigned category strategies.  Works with stakeholders to facilitate process and operational improvement strategies, gain efficiencies to improve growth, profitability and invested capital.  Develops strategic sourcing plans for assigned category and product lines considering product performance, existing customer base, demand trends and sales growth objectives; drives negotiations for optimal pricing and quality standards in the development of purchasing agreements.

This position is responsible for delivering year over year value improvements in rebate performance (as a % of dollars spent), landed cost, service levels and working capital.  Value improvements must be trackable to a designated P&L. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops annual operating plan for category, including KPI’s of inventory turns / DOH, gross margin, sales and coordinated purchasing.
• Collaborates with field organization on buy in, and execution of the AOP. Gains field support for product assortment, supplier programs, promotional programs, and sales growth.
• Communicates with/informs location and market leadership of new or discontinued products, and changes in market pricing and supply conditions.
• Develops and maintains strategic supplier relationships through management of the overall strategy for sourcing materials to create a sustainable competitive advantage and increase ROIC, operational efficiencies, sales, and profitability.
• Develops category strategies and long-range sourcing plans for key categories that optimize value delivery from suppliers.  
• Provides strategic support for all business unit locations and product lines by leading purchasing efforts to improve on-time delivery, cost reduction and quality of all products and services. Could include use of Best Practice Councils as well as looking at use of technology for further improvements. 
• Selects suppliers, conducts supplier negotiations, establishes, and monitors supplier agreements.  Conducts RFQ’s and price audits when necessary to ensure operational advantages. 
• Achieves performance objectives through relationship management; purchasing; logistics; finance; product training and representation; demand generation; supply chain analytics, administration, negotiation and category reporting to management and the field.
• Directs Purchasing / Replenishment team in sourcing and negotiations with suppliers regarding costs of goods, terms, flow of goods, returns, price changes, rebates accruals, tracking and disbursements, volume allowances, promotional funding, and past due invoices.
• Work with Marketing on necessary collateral including Channeltivity, promotional planning and supporting the field with marketing requests collaborated with vendors. 
• Participates in monthly and annual financial and operating reviews and planning.
• Other duties may be assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervises assigned employees including staff selection and training; planning, assigning and directing work; conducting performance reviews; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Provide leadership and guidance to coach, motivate, and lead team members to their optimum performance levels and career development.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management or related field
• Ten (10) years related experience
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience.

COMPETENCIES

• Comprehensive knowledge of material management and procurement function for category
• Excellent verbal, written and presentation communication skills
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to execute plans/projects through others
• Strong analytical skills to interpret data and analyze trends
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and an enterprise resource planning (ERP) program

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Combination of indoor and outdoor environments and physical activity requirements. 

• Work is in an office setting and generally sedentary with physical effort associated with using a computer, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.
• Occasional oversight activities may take place out of doors, subject to temperature and weather variations.
• Willingness and ability to travel to facility locations up to 50% of the time.