Indirect Category Manager

About the job

About the Company

Our client is a publicly traded Minneapolis-based manufacturer and industry leader in the management of fluids and coatings in both industrial and commercial applications. The company is a fast-paced, high-performing, growing business with global operations and billions of dollars in annual sales. It designs, manufactures and markets systems and equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray fluid and powder materials. A recognized leader in its specialties, the company serves customers worldwide in the manufacturing, processing, construction and maintenance industries, many of which are household names. With leading technology and proven quality, the team is built for performance, innovation and service. The company was also named a Best Place to Work in Manufacturing and Production by Fortune Magazine for multiple years.

About the Role

The Indirect Category Manager is responsible for overseeing the procurement and management of the company’s indirect materials and services. These typically include goods and services that are not directly incorporated into a product being manufactured, such as factory supplies, cutting tools, marketing materials, and/or professional services.

Responsibilities

• Stakeholder Collaboration:
• Collaborate with various internal departments (such as finance, operations, marketing) to understand their procurement needs
• Provide expert advice on procurement strategies and best practices
• Contract Management:
• Effective contract management supporting an organization's goals, helping to avoid financial losses, legal issues, and damaged relationships.
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies to support corporate and divisional objections, providing the company a competitive advantage in the areas of materials, supplies, and services.
• Identify, analyze, and develop a consolidated supplier base to meet current and future procurement needs.
• Create and maintain mutually beneficial partnerships with suppliers to foster feedback and continuous improvement.
• Negotiate and manage complex contracts and agreements for assigned commodities in accordance with the company’s objectives, policies and procedures.
• Lead the supplier selection process within a cross-functional team.
• Manage suppliers, costs, quality, and delivery performance.
• Understand, track, and forecast the key cost drivers and market factors for assigned commodities.
• Implement appropriate sourcing strategies to control the company’s purchased material costs and to assure an adequate source of supply.
• Support new product development from the concept stage through successful product launch.
• Support the Planners and other manufacturing partners on tactical needs, as required.
• Drive continuous improvement in all aspects of the procurement process.
• Effectively represent the department on cross-functional teams within the company or other companies.
• Provides work direction to lower level Procurement staff
• Supervise clerical support, Buyers Assistants and/or other Corporate Category Managers, as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• BA/BS degree in Business, Engineering, Materials Management or equivalent.
• MBA desired
• C.P.M./C.P.I.M. certification desirable
• 8 years materials or manufacturing experience.
• Minimum of 6 years purchasing experience

Skills & Knowledge

• Demonstrated ability to develop the leadership potential in others desired
• Strong knowledge of the company’s products including cost drivers, commodity market conditions and pricing.
• Technical expertise beyond assigned company commodities.
• Ability to handle complex negotiations and contracts, including private label agreements and international procurement.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Work independently and in team environment
• PC and related software (Word, Excel, Access, Database Management etc.)experience.
• Ability to perform detailed Corporate Category studies and market research worldwide.
• Complex knowledge of contract law.
• Ability to create and execute complex contracts, agreements, and business plans.
• Experience in complex analysis and resolution of complex sourcing problems requiring multi-functional participation.
• Proven ability to exceed individual and department goals.
• Experience as a key resource for product development teams.
• Ability to read and comprehend engineering blueprints and specifications required
• Adaptability to changing business conditions
• Good project management and organizational skills

Company Benefits

• Attractive compensation
• Professional development and career progression opportunities
• Medical
• Dental
• Stock purchase plan
• 401(k)
• Tuition reimbursement