Category Lead

Category Lead

Requirements

• Expertise in the category area – demonstrated by a proven ability to develop and articulate category strategies
• Full understanding of purchasing and inventory systems
• Strong understanding of contract language terms and conditions
• Solid understanding of business and financial principles
• Advanced problem solving, decision making, influencing and negotiating skills
• Excellent communication, presentation, interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex and or critical internal and external relationships requiring diplomacy, political savvy
• Advanced program, project management skills and techniques
• Expert analytical & MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) skills
• Bachelor’s degree
• 5-10 years related experience and supervisory experience preferred
• Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.), Six Sigma, Lean, Process or Project Mgmt. certifications

Responsibilities

• Drive total cost of ownership improvements including supplier performance and develop the supply base, to deliver results for stakeholders and in line with the organization’s Business Plan.
• Develops tools and techniques to profile; benchmark; research and assess the market; risks; competition; trends and new opportunities to ensure continuity of supply and maximize value / competitive advantage.
• Trusted advisor to client groups, providing expertise and advice on new business approaches to category strategy, sourcing and supplier/ contract management.
• Leads effective cross-organizational teams to develop and implement strategies to meet objectives and targets.
• Acts as a role model, and technical expert, independently provides coaching and mentoring.
• Leads and supervises a team of Procurement Professionals to deliver effective procurement strategies and meeting company objectives.
• Develops the strategy and manages the execution of supplier and stakeholder relationships for their assigned category.
• Develops and manages the implementation of supplier relationship management plans.
• Leads negotiations with suppliers.
• Coordinates with the business to ensure the management of supplier relationships.
• Works with others to resolve and escalate supplier issues.
• Produces and analyzes SRM scorecards.
• Monitors contract and supplier performance including KPIs, reviews with business groups and uses to improve future performance and strategy development.
• Ensures contracts are being managed to meet category strategic objectives and the benefits framework.
• Executes a multi-year category strategy and annual procurement plan that aligns with business forecast / objectives.
• In consultation with the Manager, ensures the development of compelling business cases to support decision-making and obtain approval.
• Utilizes their knowledge of business needs and understanding of the market structure to make recommendations on how changes in business processes can improve ways to go to market; structure the sourcing approach and contract.
• Develops and manages project plans to ensure strategies are executed on schedule and achieve projected financial / operational benefits.
• Identifies risks and makes recommendations for mitigation.
• Provide support for and adhere to all procurement policies and procedures and ensure compliance.
• Support all audit requests to maintain compliance to corporate policies.
• Writes and presents business plans, briefs, category management plans and other documents to management and key internal and external stakeholders.
• Negotiates and executes large to very large dollar / complex contracts.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5-10 years related experience and supervisory experience preferred
• Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.), Six Sigma, Lean, Process or Project Mgmt. certifications