Category Manager

Job Details
Job Location
Green Circle Growers Inc - OBERLIN, OH
Description
POSITION OVERVIEW:
As part of our Supply Chain team, the Category Manager will define, manage, implement, and optimize the sourcing, buying, logistics, and inventory management strategy for the respective area. This position acts as the primary relationship manager between suppliers and Green Circle Growers focusing on safety, quality, delivery, technology, and total cost of ownership.
JOB DUTIES:

• Create, implement, and manage a Strategic Sourcing Plan for the assigned Purchasing Categories to achieve the best commercial position.
• Manage category purchasing team focusing on utilization of available forecast and demand plans to process and expedite purchase orders to meet targeted inventory goals.
• Work with growers, program managers, and supply chain personnel to ensure timely delivery of quality products and services to satisfy requirements.
• Collect, segment, prioritize, and evaluate key category and supplier data and act upon supply conditions that influence total cost of ownership or place company operations at risk.
• Drive supplier rationalization, standardization, and cost reduction opportunities.
• Manage development of more efficient execution processes with internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage supplier performance improvement initiatives and implement gap closure plans, action plans, and service level agreements where necessary.
• Implement a lean approach to materials management including material flow and inventory control.
• Execute PFEP & capacity planning activities to support site performance.
• Analyze inventory and develop and execute plans to balance days' supply of inventory and optimize customer service.
• Responsible for part data accuracy (item master). Establish and implement standard re-order and delivery procedures.
• Continuously improve and lead the SIOP process.
• All other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS and education requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, business, or similar field or equivalent experience
• 8+ years of experience in Supply Chain Management, Sourcing, or Purchasing
• 5+ years of experience in customer or supplier relationship management
• Strong experience with ERP systems; Microsoft NAV preferred
• Familiar with international business practices and international freight
• Experience working with a Material Requirements Planning (MRP) system
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, product design, and assembly of bill of materials (BOM) and dependencies
• Familiar with Lean principles
• Familiar with business finance and accounts payable processes and impact
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, with strong follow up skills, and ability to understand and adjust to priorities
• Strong problem solving, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to identify problems, recommend solutions, and negotiate and execute contingency plans
• Advanced analytics skills using Microsoft Excel
• Ability to create routine reports, presentations, and correspondence
• Ability to coordinate and track activities by metrics
• 15% travel may be required

PHYSICAL Environment & Requirements:

• Climate controlled office or home office environment
• Continuously requires vision, hearing, twisting, and talking.
• Frequently requires sitting, standing, fine dexterity, and handling.
• Occasionally requires walking, climbing stairs, lifting (up to 20lbs), carrying, reaching, kneeling, pushing/pulling, bending, and crouching.
• Rarely requires climbing