Assoc. mgr, category strategy

Description

Responsible for development and advancement of one or more categories and supplier spend management strategies that support key business objectives/ priorities and result in significant cost savings, service/quality and process improvements within categories. The Assoc. Mgr. Category Strategy will support the category leader and key stakeholder relationship manager for assigned categories. This position will act as an advocate and change-manager for the value of Procurement throughout assigned Functional Areas and Business Groups by demonstrating category knowledge, adding value and educating stakeholders on Strategic Sourcing process. The role will work closely with key stakeholders to develop effective cost reduction strategies and implement plans.

Responsibilities:

• Develop relationships and work with key business partners to understand strategic direction, supply requirements and corporate business objectives and priorities.
• Work collaboratively with Functional Area and Business Group partners to conduct opportunity identification and prioritization.
• Develop and execute multi-year category planning process to develop opportunity pipelines.
• Identify and prioritize sourcing initiatives within the categories through Category planning process for annual plan.
• Develop category/ sourcing strategies and lead/coordinate negotiation for a variety of assigned product and service areas.
• Build reputation as a subject matter expert for assigned product and service areas.
• Lead/participate in cross-functional teams in the development of sourcing strategies.

Steps in the process include: Internal assessments of Company current and future needs; assessments of market trends and supply base; Understanding of supplier economics, agreement on optimal relationship between Company and prospective suppliers; Assessment of total cost of ownership and opportunities to leverage changes in process, systems and products to lower that cost; Working closely with the stakeholders to establish and execute the sourcing strategy, which will include development and implementation of communication strategies for key stakeholders on overall process, timing and end products.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (preferably in Business) or equivalent experience
• At least 5 years-experience in related field
• Deep understanding of assigned categories, supply markets, suppliers and products preferred
• Understanding of Six Sigma and/or Project Management methodologies
• Experience interacting with and defending positions with stakeholders and senior management
• Effectively influences, collaborates, and partners with business leaders to drive results
• Develops solutions to complex problems
• Regularly uses ingenuity and innovation to develop solutions that are consistent with organization objectives
• Very strong analytic and negotiation skills
• Superior communications, interpersonal and presentation skills with strong influencing and persuasive abilities