Category Manager

Role Overview

The Category Manager - Commodity Buyer is responsible for developing and executing procurement strategies that support the requirements of our high-tech manufacturing business.  
 

Essential Functions:
•    Strategic sourcing of materials and services to meet the business needs and deliver on key metrics for the organization.
•    Support new product development by interacting with Engineering and Product Management teams and managing projects as necessary.
•    Benchmark, source, evaluate, and cultivate relationships with key suppliers accomplishing these goals:
     o    Continuity of supply to meet customer needs
     o    Synchronization of supply chain
     o    Lead time reduction
     o    Improved quality
     o    Reduction in total procurement and inventory costs
•    Work closely with suppliers and Supply Operations team to implement lean practices
•    Expedite, follow up on late deliveries, and monitor delivery performance while taking corrective action as necessary
•    Development of supply agreements to govern relationships
•    Comply with corporate business and purchasing policies and procedures
•    Must be able to travel domestically/internationally (< 10% of time)
 

Prioritized Skills and Abilities:
•    Strong team orientation with excellent interpersonal skills and professional demeanor
•    Negotiation skills
•    Understanding of lean manufacturing techniques and ERP systems
•    Finds new ways of organizing work to accomplish work more effectively
•    Ability to multi-task with high energy level (results-oriented).
•    Able to plan and prioritize work to manage time effectively.  
•    Project management abilities
•    Ability to read engineering drawings and basic working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing.
•    Knowledge of procurement and contractual agreements
•    PC literate with emphasis on Microsoft Office and Outlook software
 

Minimum Education Level:
•    Associates Degree in Business or Engineering or equivalent experience.  

Minimum Years Experience:
•    1-5 years
 

Experience (Essential)
•    This is an entry/mid-level position for a candidate who is a recent college graduate or has relevant and comparable experience in sourcing, negotiation, cost reduction, and development of supplier programs.
 

Experience (Desirable)
•    Prior experience with SAP Purchasing module
•    CPM
•    Electronic component and PCBA procurement experience