Responsible for developing and executing strategic sourcing plans for specific product categories, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring cost-effective procurement of goods and services across our multisite operations in the USA and Canada.
Implement a plan for sourcing raw materials and non-raw material categories that will effectively meet the long-range requirements of the relevant authorities and business partners and deliver the maximum value.
Serve as a key stakeholder and influencer in shaping the specific categories' future choice and related supplier landscape. You will utilize insights generated from market research and industry trends to drive a mindset of current tactical optimization and new tactical innovation.
Develop and lead new supplier selection initiatives and conduct negotiations with suppliers.
Assist in material selection and approval of internal processes.
Develop deep supplier relationships with strategic suppliers to include data review and analysis, performance management and development and improvement of end-to-end value, and bring innovation to the business.
Build and maintain relationships throughout the company that result in a dynamic interactive dialogue on a broad range of perspectives and information critical to developing efficient approaches and solutions.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
45% Category Strategy: Develops comprehensive, medium complexity category strategies; Conducts complex analysis and proactively offers alternative supplier and material selections with support of R&D and Engineering to expand raw material margins without sacrifice of quality or delivery; Supports execution of material strategy; Responsible for driving change via trials, test, and material approvals with collaboration of the technical team.
30% - Vetting new suppliers and managing supplier relationships, communicating changes to category strategy, executing joint collaborative initiatives, and monitoring pricing and supplier performance.
15% - Monitor and manage supply chain risks and resolve quality non-conformities with technical and quality team support. Utilize key insights in the development of the long-term procurement vision and strategy.
10% - Facilitate developing, implementing, and maintaining processes, policies, guidelines, Standard Operating Procedures, and Business Operating Principles.
Manage suppliers within and support appropriate certifications ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 17025, IATF, and ITAR.
Qualifications/Skills/Experience Required:
Bachelor's degree in business administration or related field.
5+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or category management
Experience in the NVH industry, fibers or chemicals categories is a plus.
Must have strong analytical problem-solving skills and be oriented with technical proficiency.
Knowledge of materials systems (i.e. purchasing, MRP, BOM structure, ERP, etc.)
Ability to show judgment when developing new approaches and resolving issues.
Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to confidently present complex information.
Ability to understand and influence individuals.
Ability to coordinate and direct multiple projects and work with stakeholders to meet deadlines.
Possess the ability to work well with all management levels and between all departments.
Demonstrated track record of delivering against targets and objectives.
Able to prioritize requests and propose effective alternatives when necessary.
Strong level of credibility with internal customers and with the supplier community
Ability to influence and understand differing needs of partners (e.g., supplier, procurement, engineering, R&D, planning, quality, and sales)
Professional certification (e.g., CPSM, CIPS, Six Sigma, CPM, Scrum) is a plus.
Proficient in Microsoft Office, advanced Excel, and data analytics; PowerBI is a plus.