Global Category Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Primary Function Develop strategic supplier relationships that are consistent with the company’s vision and long-term objectives
• Develop and execute category strategies in support of the company’s business objectives
• Lead contract/price negotiations with suppliers to meet quality, quantity, cost, and delivery requirements, and to ensure best value for cost, working capital, and continuous supply
• Manage a team of Commodity Buyers in support of global procurement goals
• Provide leadership and support to global cross-functional teams in optimizing supplier cost and working capital for Clarience Technologies’ divisions

• Procurement Strategy Lead global category strategy development for the procurement of assigned categories in line with Clarience Technologies’ business strategies, including:
• Optimization/improvement of cost, quality, delivery, and working capital
• Supply contract strategy to ensure consistent, cost-effective supply
• Develop “should be” cost models to understand supplier cost
• Optimization of supply base structure (location, supplier count, etc.) and “approved supplier list”
• Understanding and mitigation of supply risk
• Leveraging cross-business unit spend
• Ensure effective communication of direction, progress, initiatives, and potential issues to the broader business organization

• People Management & Development Manage commodity buyers, and support/mentor cross-functional peers throughout Clarience Technologies as a team player
• Encourage win/win cross-functional relationships by facilitating discussion and gaining alignment
• Possess forward thinking, strategic mindset and can communicate ideas to a broad audience
• Demonstrated performance as a solution oriented, decisive leader

• Supplier Relationship Management Actively manage supplier performance in coordination with supplier quality, supplier development, divisional purchasing, and manufacturing
• Sponsor proactive discussions and negotiations with suppliers
• Ensure the business understands commodity strategies and the approved supplier list
• Proactively anticipate supplier issues; act to address these and manage repercussions
• As necessary, manage supplier crises to ensure supply continuity
• Identify gaps in supplier performance measures and work in collaboration with supplier development and supplier quality to improve performance
• Build effective networks that prove valuable to the business from a local and global perspective

REQUIREMENTS:

Education Requirements

• Essential: Undergraduate degree in Business Management, Procurement/Supply Chain, Engineering and/or relevant education and experience
• Desirable: Postgraduate studies in Business Management, Procurement/Supply Chain, Engineering or a related discipline

Experience Requirements

• 10-15 years’ experience in a global Purchasing/Supply Chain organization with extensive experience at a manufacturing company
• Experience operating in a global organization
• Proven customer service, contract management/legal and financial/business acumen
• Effective communication skills
• Strong leadership, organization, and negotiation skills