Global Category Director

This is a senior leadership position responsible for providing strategic direction and tactical guidance to a Supply Management category team or teams. The successful candidate will be directly responsible for the work unit's performance, including providing daily work direction, category strategy leadership, employee and supplier performance evaluations, resource allocation, business planning and control, and the development and realization of company-wide initiatives within the jurisdiction of the work units represented.

• Develop and deploy strategic initiatives to facilitate cross-business synergies across a rationalized set of global and regional preferred supplier partners.
• Champion and manage key strategic supplier contracts, commercial performance, and relationships.
• Review, approve, monitor, and report compliance to category agreements and strategies based upon Supply Management policies.
• Present new planning tools, methods, technical analysis, standards, and procurement opportunities with senior management that are aligned with Supply Management/Harley-Davidson strategic plans and cost reduction initiatives.
• Plan, prepare, and execute annual value proposition for the owned spend and support execution with the business cross-functional teams.
• Champion Supplier Business Reviews with assigned suppliers, identify potential financial/operational threats to the business, and develop/deploy proactive supplier risk mitigation strategies to ensure supply continuity.
• Manage employees and have accountability for the performance and results of a team within Supply Management.
• Provide guidance to employees, colleagues, and/or customers and address resource and operational challenges to support departmental plans and priorities.

• Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience.
• Broad expertise in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Supplier Quality, SOP, Negotiation, and Product Development.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a Supply Management department and department staff members in successful support of business goals and plans.
• Proven track record of being a strong problem solver, effective communicator, handle multiple tasks, and demonstrated leadership skills.
• Deep expertise in leading groups to reach consensus on realistic specific goals and objectives and ability to lead the group to prioritize those objectives.
• Travel required up to 15%.

• Bachelor's Degree.
• 5 years professional negotiating experience in a global business environment.
• 5 years professional experience improving supplier performance across multiple manufacturing facilities.
• APQP experience - Demonstrated CI experience.
• Motorcycle riding experience and knowledge in Harley-Davidson motorcycles and accessories.