Category Manager

ECI is seeking a dynamic Category Manager to join our Southfield, Michigan team. As a Category Manager, you'll shape commodity strategies, spearhead cost-saving projects, manage contracts and pricing negotiations, and build strong relationships with both internal stakeholders and key suppliers to ensure business objectives are met.

Who We Are

Founded in 1953, Electrical Components International (ECI) is one of the world's leading suppliers of electrical distribution systems, control box assemblies, and other critical engineered components for diversified markets. With 20,000 employees and 39 global manufacturing locations, ECI is the trusted partner to market leaders with 450+ customers. At ECI, we power smart, connected, and electrified solutionsTM that help solve the most complex challenges.

Since 2020, we have embarked on a successful journey to transform the company, delivering significant value to our customers, investors and employees. As part of our strategic plan, we have defined key pillars to support and accelerate on our growth trajectory. One of these core pillars is focused on driving excellence through enhanced capabilities, tools and processes.

Key Responsibilities

The Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing category purchasing strategies for terminals and connectors that drive business growth, cost savings, and supplier performance. This strategic sourcing responsibility includes developing overall commodity strategies which includes identifying and implementing cost savings initiatives, project management and implementation, contract and pricing negotiations, building relationships with key internal stakeholders and suppliers to manage business expectations and requirements.

In this role, you will:

• Develop and implement category plans based on market trends, spend analysis, and business objectives.
• Develop a best-in-class supply base for all facets of the business, both White Goods & New Markets
• Identify, evaluate, and manage key suppliers to ensure quality, reliability, and value.
• Increasing working capital turnover though payment terms and the implementation of supply strategies, in conjunction with Supply Chain team, such as Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), Kanban, Consignment, etc.
• Lead negotiations on pricing, contracts, and service agreements to achieve optimal value for the organization.
• Improve supplier quality and on-time delivery performance.
• Develop robust supplier relationships through appropriate interaction that instructs suppliers on key ECI business initiatives, ethics and growth plans
• Act as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) on assigned purchased categories and supply base
• Monitor category performance, market conditions, and emerging trends to identify opportunities and mitigate risks.
• Develop systems/processes to achieve defect free supplier performance (Quality, Delivery, Responsiveness & Cost - QDRC).
• Focus on continuous improvement and improved supplier Total Cost of Ownership performance.
• Proactively communicate with top level management on supplier sourcing issues.
• Act as a liaison with other functional leaders and corporate support team.
• Partner with internal stakeholders (Finance, Operations, Marketing, Legal, etc.) to align category initiatives with company goals.
• Track and manage category budgets, driving cost efficiencies and strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for category and supplier performance.
• Identify and implement process improvements, innovative sourcing strategies, and sustainability initiatives.

Education & Experience

• Bachelors Degree, Business, Operations or Engineering (highly preferred)
• Masters of Business Administration (MBA) or Masters of Engineering or Operations preferred
• Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing training and certification preferred
• Supply Chain Certification (i.e., CPM, CPIM, etc.) desirable
• Minimum of 5 years of Strategic Purchasing/Sourcing experience, including Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) improvement program development & implementation
• Purchasing Commodity Strategy Development
• Strong working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems
• Strong ability in reading and managing data to drive business decisions.
• Experience with Lean manufacturing methodologies
• Ability to lead, influence and drive change in a cross-functional team environment
• Strong Analytical and Technical Skills
• Experience working with Engineering, Supply Chain, Marketing and Operations
• Capability to generate an energizing vision for change
• Provide leadership and focus on purchasing strategic goals
• Professional oral & written communication and presentation skills

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Able to travel %, including internationally, as required
• Strong ability to influence without authority
• Ability to take business strategy and synthesize supporting sourcing strategies
• Strong change management and organization transformation skills
• Program/contracts management and negotiations knowledge
• Highly results oriented and focused on business priorities
• Skilled in persuasion, negotiation and problem resolution
• Strong leadership and influencing skills to drive results globally

Primary Location

The Category Manager will be based on-site in Southfield, Michigan.

Our Culture

At ECI, we live by our core values of respect, empathy, accountability, integrity, and ethics. Our diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture empowers our people to be who they are, contribute their unique perspectives, and make a difference individually and collectively. It enables us to leverage different perspectives and encourage new ideas.

Our commitment to operational and commercial excellence begins with our commitment to ethical excellence. We deliver results as One Team and follow through on our promises.

Electrical Components International is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

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