Category Manager, Global Product Sourcing

THE ROLE: 
The Category Manager, Global Product Sourcing will be responsible for managing various global categories of direct spend across all regions (Americas, Europe, India, China, and Asia Pacific).  As the corporate expert for specific global direct categories, this person will be the point person for supplier communication, pricing, and strategic commodity supply decision-making. The individual selected for this position will lead cross-functional teams and projects for 2-3 global categories to maximize total value, generate supply-chain efficiencies, manage the relationships with strategic supplier partners, and introduce supplier innovation and technologies across all business units.

In addition, this role will be expected to utilize his/her knowledge to enhance and leverage the company’s buying power to source materials required for the products at a competitive rate and streamline material use across key finished goods suppliers.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead global cross-functional teams focused on integrating and optimizing the global supply chain for complex categories or commodity groups across worldwide locations.
• Drive long-term strategies for global, cross-functional teams to generate supply chain improvement and efficiencies through the optimization of processes, designs, materials, and suppliers.
• Reduce costs on a regular basis and be accountable for realizing $500M – $1MM in related cost savings or cost avoidance per calendar year.
• Support Research and development through conceptualization and development of new products by providing formula component costing, commodity expertise, and supply chain risk assessments.
• Negotiate and execute supply agreements with favorable terms.
• Track market conditions for key commodities and work proactively with suppliers and with finished goods manufacturers to minimize potential cost increases and realize potential cost savings.
• Access and engage executive-level contacts at suppliers garnering support for mutual global supply chain initiatives and objectives.
• Lead two-way communication with suppliers in global categories to ensure challenges and issues receive appropriate response and resolution.
• Conduct the supplier segmentation process and negotiate global alignment to leverage spending within the multi-year global commodity strategy.

SKILLS AND BACKGROUND REQUIRED: 

• 7 years of purchasing and procurement experience, of which at least 2 years is specifically in sourcing or category management.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment managing multiple projects concurrently.
• Demonstrated record of exceeding goals in cost savings and supplier performance.
• Experience working in an environment where Sourcing is an influencer rather than a decision-maker.
• Strong understanding of Sourcing best practices and strategies to execute opportunities for cost savings, risk mitigation, and innovation.
• Strong strategic and analytical skills to develop complex, multi-year strategic business plans for innovation in global categories.
• Well-developed understanding of contract development and negotiation.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with executive presence.
• Recognized business acumen with global savvy and cultural sensitivity.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong business ethics.

EDUCATION:

• B.S. Degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, Supply Chain Management, or a related field