Manager, Category Indirect Procurement

The Category Manager is responsible for all aspects related to the development and implementation of the indirect procurement global strategy supporting R&D, Professional Services and Marketing

Responsibilities are considered integral to the success and profitability of the business. Continuous review and analysis of strategy is required to accommodate changes in market dynamics. This position is directly managing a considerable percentage of the company cost structure and is key to its success.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute Global sourcing strategies for specific categories of indirect R&D, Professional Services and global Marketing spend aligned to Business Unit (BU) and/or Functional Unit needs – as line manager and Category Manager.
• Works with R&D on identifying and managing third party providers of engineering services, certification labs, test equipment.
• Supports different departments (Sales, Business Operations, PLM) with procurement of professional services related to: staff augmentation, managed services, network engineering, cabling installation & design, field engineering services, field walkout/wireless site surveys, design and WiFi installation) for inside/outside plant construction projects?
• Manage global Marketing procurement activity engaging with necessary suppliers supporting company’s Trade Shows & Events, Media Buying, Creative & Ad, Corp Comms & Brand, Digital & Marketing Ops and Sponsorships.
• Responsible for cost effective sourcing of mentioned category suppliers for specific Business Unit and/or Functional Unit needs. Act as the Subject Matter Expert for the categories in scope. 
• Align with Business Unit and/or Functional Unit on specific goals and priorities in Regions.  Drive continuous improvement actions in cost, quality, and system performance.  Investigate all new developments relative to its responsible categories and makes recommendations for cost reduction and improved quality/performance levels. 
• Establish creative and innovative supplier pricing schemes which helps maximize savings for the categories year over year.
• Ensure the timely negotiation of all agreements included but not limited to Strategic Sourcing Agreements (including the development of framework for productivity and quality plans), Memorandums of Understanding, confidential disclosures, consignment, etc.  Negotiate and manage supplier agreements, encouraging compliance by both supplier and end users.  Implement, track and provide feedback to suppliers on supplier key performance indicators to ensure suppliers are meeting the business requirements.

Skills

• BS/BA in a related field required.  MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 8 years’ experience in procurement, supply chain, or related field required.
• Must have successful and progressive category/supplier management experience as well as line manager experience.
• Must have 2-3 years supplier negotiation and supplier contracting experience
• Must have 2-3 years’ experience running RFXs with suppliers for stakeholders
• Excellent verbal and written skills required.
• Must be skillful at influencing decisions and opinions, negotiating, and building consensus. Excellent organizational skills required.
• Must demonstrate inclusive behaviors and have strong cultural sensitivity to manage relationships with people from all cultures.
• Strong leadership capabilities to deliver results and to build and motivate teams of diverse disciplines required.
• Limited (International) travel required in this position.