Procurement Category Specialist

Discover The Pokémon Company International

The Pokémon Company International, a branch of The Pokémon Company in Japan, oversees the brand's management outside of Asia, focusing on licensing, marketing, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the animated series, home entertainment, and the official Pokémon website. Since its inception in Japan in 1996, Pokémon has become one of the leading children's entertainment franchises globally.

Role Overview

• **Position Title:** Procurement Category Specialist
• **Role Summary:** The Procurement Category Specialist is tasked with managing indirect procurement categories (such as marketing, professional services, e-commerce, etc.) at The Pokémon Company International (TPCi). This includes crafting category strategies, executing sourcing initiatives, and nurturing supplier partnerships. The individual will exemplify TPCi's Core Values and report directly to the Head of Global Procurement.
• **Classification (US Only):** Exempt
• **People Management:** No

Key Responsibilities

• Adopt a customer-focused approach to deliver exceptional category management support to both internal and external stakeholders, including TPCi processes and third-party suppliers.
• Collaborate with Global Procurement teams, cross-functional departments (e.g., Legal, Information Security, Finance), and third-party managed service providers to effectively support stakeholders.

**Category Management**

• Cultivate and sustain relationships with business stakeholders across designated categories.
• Formulate category strategies that align with overarching management objectives.
• Establish formal category requirements in line with business priorities.
• Analyze spend data, market dynamics, and category intelligence to inform category planning.
• Develop, monitor, and benchmark Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for each category.
• Research best practices and emerging trends in category management for potential implementation at TPCi.
• Evaluate annual spend data and external market information to enhance category strategies.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to influence and secure buy-in for category strategies and value opportunities.
• Drive value beyond mere cost savings, focusing on risk management, operational efficiencies, and innovation.

**Strategic Sourcing**

• Coordinate and execute strategic sourcing initiatives for assigned categories.
• Implement sourcing projects utilizing best practices to deliver significant value in partnership with key business stakeholders.
• Assess supplier capabilities and identify potential new suppliers.
• Prepare and present business cases and cost models; conduct complex data analyses and financial modeling.
• Analyze RFP responses and summarize findings to provide recommendations to stakeholders.
• Ensure timely delivery of savings and realization of expected benefits for TPCi.
• Oversee and negotiate contract terms within TPCi's established risk framework.
• Facilitate the drafting and negotiation of terms with the Legal department, escalating legal risks as necessary.

**Supplier Relationship Management**

• Manage supplier performance within the established framework and category strategy.
• Establish governance processes with suppliers and outsourced partners.
• Implement strategies to effectively manage the supplier base, ensuring compliance with service levels and business expectations.
• Provide constructive feedback on supplier performance and seek continuous improvement.
• Execute supplier performance measurement frameworks and develop guidelines in line with strategic objectives.
• Identify and manage supplier risks along with corresponding response plans.
• Organize and lead supplier relationship management meetings and reviews.
• Develop and implement transition plans, acting as a change agent.
• Enforce compliance with procurement policies and promote increased adoption.

Qualifications

• Five to seven years of relevant professional experience.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• Expertise in category management and a thorough understanding of source-to-pay processes.
• Proficiency in spend analysis, market intelligence, financial analysis, sourcing strategy development, negotiation, and project management.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Self-motivated with a strong sense of initiative.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to present complex information to executive-level audiences.
• A mindset geared towards continuous improvement and adaptability to change.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally occasionally.

Success Factors

• **Passion for Pokémon:** Understands the brand's impact on culture, business, and communities, applying this knowledge to all tasks.
• **Innovative Thinking:** Approaches challenges with curiosity and creativity, viewing failures as learning opportunities.
• **Integrity and Respect:** Leads with empathy, listens to diverse perspectives, and takes responsibility for actions and outcomes.
• **Commitment to Quality:** Strives for high standards and seeks continuous improvement through feedback.
• **Relationship Building:** Fosters collaborative relationships and works towards shared goals.
• **Customer Focus:** Understands and prioritizes the needs of customers and stakeholders.

Work Environment

• Employee-first culture.
• Company events celebrating the Pokémon spirit.
• Competitive compensation packages.
• Comprehensive benefits including healthcare, paid family leave, and retirement contributions.
• Hybrid work model.

The above information outlines the general nature and level of work expected in this role. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and skills required. Employees may be asked to perform duties outside their normal responsibilities as needed.