Sourcing Category Manager

WHY PRODRIVEN BRANDS? BECAUSE WE ARE THE PRO'S CHOICE! You will find our market leading products and brands on trucks and job sites all over the world. Focusing on end users' needs drives our success. Our entire product development process-from research to engineering to manufacturing to commercialization-creates products that ensure ease of use, productivity, durability and safety for the end user. On jobsites across America and the world, our brands are most preferred.

Job Summary:

The Sourcing Category Manager is responsible for managing commercial relationships with Suppliers in assigned core commodity and product category areas across the organization. Independently, and in collaboration with Suppliers and other key internal stakeholders, this position will develop and execute category, contract and other best in class supply management strategies to secure supply, control risk, manage costs and support new product development. This individual will lead the development and execution of supply base management strategies that support the Operational, Commercial and Technical requirements of the business.Travel: up to 20%

Duties and Responsibilities:

Develop and execute strategic sourcing and other supply management strategies that drive continuous improvements in supplier performance, reduce costs, minimize risk and harvest innovation across the supply base.
• Develop, negotiate and manage LTA's with key suppliers (contract manufactures) that minimize risk and total cost of ownership (TCO).
• Consistently transform & optimize the supply base through deployment of strategic sourcing tools & processes.
• Build and maintain successful and effective business relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop and present cost models to understand cost drivers of purchased components and/or services and utilize negotiation and cost management tools to obtain best in class pricing on all components and/or services.
• Monitor market trends and maintain high level of subject matter expertise in defined areas of responsibility.
• Establish and communicate supplier performance expectations, monitor and drive compliance with suppliers.
• Ensure continuity of supply by proactively managing critical supply issues, secure and maintain effective supplier capacity to meet current and future needs.
• Visit supplier manufacturing facilities to evaluate capacity, processes, secondary operations, value add, size, systems, etc.
• Develop and present costs associated with product as designed as well as alternative designs and new technology during planning and concept design phases
• Introduce new suppliers, products, processes, and technologies to Design and Engineering to give our brands a competitive advantage
• Identify and develop ideas for cost reduction through consolidation of suppliers and requirements, alternative sourcing, labor reduction, warranty reduction, working capital reduction, and value analysis / value engineering
• Lead cross-functional and supplier team meetings in the execution of sourcing initiatives, cost reduction & productivity projects.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education / Experience:

• BS/BA degree in business/finance or engineering or closely related field, advanced degree preferred, or equivalent combination of relevant education and/or work experience will be considered.
• 2 or more project management certifications preferred: CPM, CPSM, CPIM, or PMP, Lean Six Sigma Black belt or Greenbelt
• 5-10+ years of progressive Procurement experience with at least 3 years of direct materials category management experience.
• 3+ years of project/program management experience in a supply chain, procurement, product development, or manufacturing environment with an understanding of Sourcing, Materials Management, and Logistics
• Experience Direct Materials categories, including specific commodities (plastics, metals, others) and /or Finished Goods sourcing.
• Language Skills a Plus

Skills:

• Assertive, self-starter and possess ability to work independently
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Adaptability & Multi-tasking
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and facilitation skills
• Excellent negotiation and cost management skills
• Influential, working through others, negotiation, and teamwork
• High organization with attention to details & managing competing priorities
• Excel in highly matrixed and cross functional environment, flexible
• Ability to effectively coach and mentor other team members
• Strong ability to drive and execute change

Salary Range:

$84,000 - $143,000

The pay range listed is for Illinois based roles. It is not typical for a candidate to be hired at or near the top of the pay range. Specific compensation offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including skill sets, qualifications, experience, education, certifications, training, and location.

Benefits:

• 401(k) company match
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Paid time off

ProDriven Global Brands is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. WernerCo is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All qualified applicants to WernerCo are considered for employment without regard to age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status or any other protected characteristic. ProDriven Global Brands will not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind based on these characteristics.

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