Category Manager

Wahl Clipper Corporation, a global manufacturer of branded Consumer and Professional products, has an exciting opportunity for a team-oriented individual to fill the role of Category Manager at our headquarters in Sterling, Illinois.

The Category Manager will be responsible for supplier management, supplier sourcing and category management duties within assigned categories of spend. This position manages both value and risk within the supply base, and ensures that supplier pricing, processes and quality meet or exceed business requirements. This position reports to the Director of NA Sourcing. There are no direct reports to this position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Develop and implement effective sourcing strategies of assigned categories through analysis
• Regularly perform detailed analysis (exchange rates, trade compliance, industry capacity, price trending data) and other relevant information for assigned categories. Provide appropriate and timely visuals.
• Develop, communicate and implement short & long-term category strategies to lower total cost of ownership and mitigate risk to the company.
• Develop and manage a cost savings project pipeline that will deliver YOY savings to the company.
• Lead cross-functional sourcing projects including new supplier development, new material trials and other related to assigned categories.
• Provide alternate materials/supplier recommendations, which may bring competitive advantage or enhanced risk management to the company. Work closely with stakeholders to develop new trial and approval processes.
• Develop and publish reports/dashboards relative to assigned categories (management team, finance, other).
• Effectively manage supplier selection process to meet category strategy, quality, service, cost, risk mitigation and supplier performance goals.
• Collaborate with multiple departments to address performance, quality and other issues with suppliers within assigned categories. Manage supplier root cause and corrective action process.
• Manage new product development within assigned categories. Collaborate and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure all expectations are met for product launch.
• Develop and manage product transitions that effect inventories. Be pro-active in managing possible obsolescence and develop disposition plans in collaboration with all internal stakeholders.
• Liaise with suppliers to ensure stability within the supply chain and product availability at all times. Proactively communicate potential supply disruptions and contingency plans.
• Work closely with Compliance department to ensure all suppliers within assigned categories are compliant.
• Performs all other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Develop and maintain a deep understanding and knowledge of assigned category products/markets, supplier input costs and their potential impact on company performance
• Drive the supply base to continually develop and implement process improvements and provide meaningful value to the company
• Responsible for overall performance of suppliers in assigned categories
• Partners cross-functionally with stakeholders to ensure end-to-end collaboration and alignment
• Ensure supplier agreements, pricing, processes and quality meet or exceed business requirements
• Develop and implement effective sourcing strategies
• Perform detailed analysis, publish reports/dashboards and prepare visual metrics
• Meets category strategy, quality, service, cost, risk mitigation and supplier capabilities goals
• Drives continuous improvement efforts to add value

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain operations, finance or other related to business requirements
• Minimum 3-5 years strategic category management/purchasing experience
• Minimum 3-5 years of supplier management experience
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, supplier audit processes and CPI methodology
• Knowledge of strategic sourcing and purchasing methodologies (RFI, RFP, 7-step SS, SRM, category management) and excellent negotiation skills
• Knowledge of inventory planning techniques
• Proven project management and communication skills
• Strong attention to detail skills
• Ability to be proactive and persistent in a fast paced, multi-dimensional environment.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across many functional areas.
• Ability to respectfully challenge status quo where appropriate, as supported by well-researched data and effectively articulate how each case will positively affect the company.

Current Openings for Category Manager Jobs at Wahl Clipper Corporation