Category Manager

3 weeks ago

West Chicago, United States Blachford Acoustics Group Full time

Job Summary:

  • Responsible for developing and executing strategic sourcing plans for specific product categories, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring cost-effective procurement of goods and services across our multisite operations in the USA and Canada.
  • Implement a plan for sourcing raw materials and non-raw material categories that will effectively meet the long-range requirements of the relevant authorities and business partners and deliver the maximum value.
  • Serve as a key stakeholder and influencer in shaping the specific categories' future choice and related supplier landscape. You will utilize insights generated from market research and industry trends to drive a mindset of current tactical optimization and new tactical innovation.
  • Develop and lead new supplier selection initiatives and conduct negotiations with suppliers.
  • Assist in material selection and approval of internal processes.
  • Develop deep supplier relationships with strategic suppliers to include data review and analysis, performance management and development and improvement of end-to-end value, and bring innovation to the business.
  • Build and maintain relationships throughout the company that result in a dynamic interactive dialogue on a broad range of perspectives and information critical to developing efficient approaches and solutions.



Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • 45% Category Strategy: Develops comprehensive, medium complexity category strategies; Conducts complex analysis and proactively offers alternative supplier and material selections with support of R&D and Engineering to expand raw material margins without sacrifice of quality or delivery; Supports execution of material strategy; Responsible for driving change via trials, test, and material approvals with collaboration of the technical team.
  • 30% - Vetting new suppliers and managing supplier relationships, communicating changes to category strategy, executing joint collaborative initiatives, and monitoring pricing and supplier performance.
  • 15% - Monitor and manage supply chain risks and resolve quality non-conformities with technical and quality team support. Utilize key insights in the development of the long-term procurement vision and strategy.
  • 10% - Facilitate developing, implementing, and maintaining processes, policies, guidelines, Standard Operating Procedures, and Business Operating Principles.
  • Manage suppliers within and support appropriate certifications ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 17025, IATF, and ITAR.



Qualifications/Skills/Experience Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or category management
  • Experience in the NVH industry, fibers or chemicals categories is a plus.
  • Must have strong analytical problem-solving skills and be oriented with technical proficiency.
  • Knowledge of materials systems (i.e. purchasing, MRP, BOM structure, ERP, etc.)
  • Ability to show judgment when developing new approaches and resolving issues.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to confidently present complex information.
  • Ability to understand and influence individuals.
  • Ability to coordinate and direct multiple projects and work with stakeholders to meet deadlines.
  • Possess the ability to work well with all management levels and between all departments.
  • Demonstrated track record of delivering against targets and objectives.
  • Able to prioritize requests and propose effective alternatives when necessary.
  • Strong level of credibility with internal customers and with the supplier community
  • Ability to influence and understand differing needs of partners (e.g., supplier, procurement, engineering, R&D, planning, quality, and sales)
  • Professional certification (e.g., CPSM, CIPS, Six Sigma, CPM, Scrum) is a plus.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office, advanced Excel, and data analytics; PowerBI is a plus.
  • Valid US driver's license and passport.

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