Category Manager

The Category Manager creates and executes commodity strategy, identifies opportunities to improve supply chain and manages best total cost of ownership. The Category Manager partners with Buyer to ensure appropriate orders are executed and proper inventory levels are maintained to support production.

Full-time / Exempt

The Category Manager reports to the Procurement Manager.

• Develop and execute Commodity Strategy for SMD.  This commodity strategy would support the SMD team from a customer, sales and marketing, manufacturing, quality and financial position of the business.
• Keep abreast of market trends, changes in business practices, availability of material / services, and shifts in the supply chain that could affect Tosoh’s ability to meet customer requirements.
• Work closely with new product development to understand new material introductions and start developing the commodity strategy and supplier strategy at inception.
• Identify and qualify new suppliers on a commercial and technical capabilities basis.
• Work with engineering and quality to develop specifications to assure technical competencies of suppliers.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce waste to improve supply chain and increase profitability.
• Evaluate sourcing recommendations from a total cost of ownership perspective.
• Negotiate contracts of goods and services.
• Backup Buyers with daily purchasing activities for assigned category.  
• Ensure suppliers accept and adhere to all requirements defined by Tosoh and its customers.
• Manage On Time Delivery and Non-Conformance metrics for assigned categories. 
• Author and issue quarterly supplier score cards using data and feedback from the Buyer and other internal customers. 
• Assist in developing processes that ensure compliance to customer quality expectations inclusive of change control within our supply chain.
• Take a leadership role in supplier audits.
• Exhibits positivity and flexibility when assigned a new task or project.

• Understands and adheres to all safety requirements. Communicates identified risks to leadership and assists in resolution.
• Completes all 5S (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain) standards to maintain a safe, organized, and efficient work environment.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Contributes to culture through alignment with company values and code of conduct.  Maintains a positive attitude, displays enthusiasm for assigned tasks, and communicates effectively and professionally with team members.
• Other related duties.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Procurement, Operations Management or Engineering or at least 10 years working in a procurement function where required skills were utilized.

• Work experience in semi-conductors is a plus.
• ISM Certification (Institute for Supply Management) (NAPM) is a plus.
• Knowledge of metals sales and distribution or another commodity.
• Demonstrated project management capability.
• Exceptional negotiation skills.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills. Individual shall possess the ability to “command a room”, be able to concisely deliver both written and verbal communication that ensures all parties fully understand both the content as well as expectations.
• International experience in locating and developing suppliers.
• Experience in implementing and monitoring quality systems and process controls.
• Proven success interacting with engineers and production staff.
• Demonstrated leadership experience. 
• Technologically savvy, able to utilize various tools to communicate, analyze, and conduct research.
• IFS experience a strong plus or knowledge of other MRP, EPR system(s).

• Must be able to sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally.
• Ability to lift 40 pounds on a regular basis.
• Must be able to stand and walk for long periods of time.

Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) as defined by process.

Tosoh SMD, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disabled/Veterans