Category Sourcing Manager

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Category Sourcing Manager is responsible for sourcing and negotiating for assigned categories such as raw material, packaging components, MRO and miscellaneous supplies from vendors. This includes identification and qualification of suppliers, negotiation of pricing and terms, performing spending management and analysis for cost saving or business development opportunities, vendor relations.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. Essential job functions and duties include, but are not limited, to:

• Sourcing Strategy Development
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand business needs and develop sourcing strategies.
  • Identify potential cost-saving opportunities through negotiations, supplier consolidation, specification alignment and process improvements.
  • Responsible for RFI/RFQ and consolidate in presentable output for category manager and stakeholder
• Supplier Selection and Evaluation
  • Conduct supplier assessments and evaluations to ensure they meet quality, cost and delivery requirements
  • Identify and quality new suppliers as needed and maintain a robust supplier base
  • Follow 3R rule: right product, right quality, right cost
• Negotiation and Contract Management
  • Negotiate contracts and agreements with suppliers to secure favorable terms and conditions
  • Monitor and enforce compliance with contractual obligations, including performance metrics and service levels
• Cost Analysis
  • Analyze cost structures, market trends, and pricing data to make informed procurement decisions
  • Implement cost reduction initiatives while maintaining or improving product/service quality
  • Understand spending budget and impact from financial perspective
• Risk Management
  • Identify and mitigate potential risks in the supply chain, such as disruptions, quality issues, or geopolitical factors
  • Develop risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans
• Supplier Relationship Management
  • Cultivate and maintain strong relationship with key suppliers
  • Collaborate with suppliers to drive continuous improvement in quality, cost and delivery performance
• Market Research
  • Obtain knowledge of assigned material category by product by customer by vendor
  • Stay informed about industry trends, market conditions, and emerging technologies relevant to procurement
  • Provide insights and recommendations to the organization based on market intelligence
• Budget Management
  • Assist in the development and management of procurement budget
  • Track and report cost savings and cost avoidance achieved through strategic sourcing initiatives.

• Follows established department SOP's, cGMP regulations, and batch record instructions.

• Complies with all Company policies and procedures, including safety rules and regulations.

• Maintains a safe work environment and operates in a safe manner.

• Perform other job duties related to the job, as assigned by management.

QUALIFICATIONS

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, education, and/or abilities required for the job:

• Strong negotiation skills, contract management, and analytical skills

• Proficient skills in reading, writing, and speaking in English; bilingual skills (English/Mandarin) a plus.

• 3+ Years of experience in strategic sourcing or procurement roles with a proven track record of cost saving and supplier relationship management

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Knowledge of industry-specific regulations and compliance standards (if applicable).

• Knowledge of MRP and ERP system

• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail

• Results-driven and able to work under pressure to meet deadlines.

• Collaborative team player with excellent relationship-building abilities

• Continuous improvement mindset and a commitment to staying updated on industry best practices.

• APICS training and/or certification desirable.

• Basic math skills; proficiency with 10-key calculator.

• Effective planning & organizing skills; ability to handle multiple task/duties.

• Proficient PC skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Effective problem-solving skills.

• Knowledge of general office skills and administrative procedures, including, but not limited to: typing (min. 45-50 wpm), filing, copying, faxing, editing, and development of memos, letters, reports, and correspondence.

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment

• Ability to maintain a positive, professional, cooperative demeanor, conduct, and working relationship with peers, management, employees, and other individuals that interact with this position.

• Ability to comply with Company policies, procedures, work rules, and protocols.

• Ability to adapt effectively to workplace changes and new job duties/responsibilities.

• Ability to represent the Company in a positive and professional manner at all times.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

The appropriate knowledge, skills and abilities required for this position are achievable through the following combination of education, work experience and training:

• Bachelor Degree from an accredited college/university; or

• 3-5 years or more years of work experience in a fast-paced work environment; or

• Any combination of experience, education, and training that provides the level of knowledge, skills, and experience needed to successfully perform the job.

• Previous offshore, sourcing desirable

• Excellent administrative skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office (e.g. Word, Excel, etc.)

Required Licenses/Certifications

• APICS training and/or certification desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING CONDITIONS

The essential functions of this job require the employee to perform the following physical activities during the course of work:

• Communicates orally with management, employees, co-workers, vendors, suppliers, governmental compliance agencies, and the general public by telephone or in person, in one-on-one or group settings.

• Regularly uses a telephone, computer (e-mail) and fax for communication.

• Required to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods of time during the course of work shift.

• Routinely required to stoop, bend, kneel, lift, reach, pull, push, and tilt object in the performance of job function.

• Requires the essential use of hands, speech, eyesight, and hearing.

• Requires agility to operate multiple telephone lines with the use of hands and head-set.

• Lifting limitations for this position: 25-30 lbs. May have to manipulate heavier containers.

• Vision requirements include close and distance vision, color vision, peripheral and depth vision, and the ability to adjust focus as needed.

• Requires incumbent to sit and operate computer for extended periods of time during course of work day, and the ability to proficiently use the computer key-board for typing.

• Noise level for this work environment is typically low to moderate.Some work areas require hearing protection for an 8-hour work day.

• Periods of odoriferous environment.

• Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises. Personal Protective Equipment provided as necessary.

• Work environment may involve exposure to chemicals, solutions, detergents, or solvents that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of personal protective equipment.

• Work environment may involve exposure to allergens such as Soy, Wheat, Fish, Shell Fish, Milk, Egg, Tree nuts, and Sesame.

Note: The Company reserves the right to modify, update, change and/or make corrections to this job description, at the sole discretion of senior management, at any time during the employee’s employment term, at the sole discretion of management.

Best Formulationsis an equal-opportunity employer committed to employing a diverse workforce and providing accommodations for people with disabilities in all parts of the hiring process as required under its Employment Accommodation Policy. Best Formulations will work with applicants to meet accommodation needs that are made known to Best Formulations in advance.