The Category Manager will be responsible for managing categories of goods or services purchased by Colas USA. They will serve as an expert on these categories, understanding the entire supply chain and articulate the strategy to the rest of the Procurement team and business leaders throughout Colas USA and its subsidiaries. The Category Manager will analyze industry drivers, develop strategies, and oversee pricing and the sourcing process to improve profitability through cost reduction while maintaining supply for the business. Responsibilities include developing and managing procurement resources, finding opportunities through spend analysis, developing sourcing strategies for materials, assets, and services used in the construction industry, creating a Procurement Roadmap, and developing shared goals with the leadership of the region.
Main Responsibilities:
Develops a deep and comprehensive understanding of their category of products through data analysis and leverages this knowledge to better position the business.
Manages and develops supplier performance, relationships, and agreements for their categories, while collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to create a competitive advantage for Colas
Manages cross-functional teams using analysis of historical spend data, market research, and cost modeling to identify and leverage high-value opportunities that deliver innovative and sustainable value, operational efficiencies, and risk mitigation to the business
Interacts with internal business partners to achieve involvement in procurement and proposal activities
Support low carbon initiatives and work with stakeholders to identify and implement good solutions
Develop strategic long-term plans to manage and optimize their product categories.
Coordinates sourcing activities with Corporate Procurement
Develops negotiation strategies for contracts, works with inside counsel to identify and incorporate appropriate levels of commercial protection, and conducts negotiations to achieve the best possible outcome for the business.
Provides market and opportunity analysis to stakeholders
Prepares and negotiates contract terms and conditions for agreements
Analyzes contract documents to determine contractual obligations, and prepares recommendations regarding acceptance or modifications
Identifies, vets, and selects new vendors and services
Establishes and maintains professional relationships with suppliers based on the highest ethical business practices.
Acts as the primary liaison to suppliers within your marketplace and uses market research and spend analysis tools to analyze supplier performance
Identifies and anticipates business needs; develops recommendations and solutions
Develops, manages, and influences implementation of policies related to supplier commitments
Education:
Bachelor's Degree Required, Master's Degree or M.B.A. preferred
Valid Drivers' License and ability to maintain a clean driving record
Skills:
Minimum 2-4 years of strategic sourcing experience in a large manufacturing environment with exposure to engineering, plant operations, and/or maintenance required
Sourcing experience in the indirect, fleet, construction equipment, manufacturing equipment, materials, and/or services is a plus
Balance of strong negotiation and relationship-building skills is a must
Experience with spend analysis to develop a sourcing strategy
Ability to demonstrate leadership in category management and the Strategic Sourcing Process
Execution oriented, with a strong sense of urgency around tangible results
Networking and influencing skills
Project Management Skills - Ability to organize and execute tasks; manage multiple projects
Effective decision making
Well-developed communication and negotiation skills
Category strategy development and execution
Strong time management, organizational, and presentation skills
Ability to work under pressure with deadlines
Ability to transfer knowledge to others
Experience working with e-procurement tools
Ability to Travel 25-50% of the time to subsidiaries and supplier sites
Proficient in Microsoft Office specifically Word, PowerPoint, and Excel