Strategic Sourcing & Category Manager (Germantown​/Atlanta)

Strategic Sourcing & Category Manager – Germantown, TN or Atlanta, GA

Responsible for supplier selection, management and implementation of the sourcing strategy and managing cost of operations within a defined indirect category of the supply chain; establishing standard costs; developing and executing cost reduction strategies; analyzing market indices and negotiating pricing based on fluctuations; forecasting cost impacts; explaining price variances; leading all commercial negotiations with suppliers; contract management, and problem‑solving supply issues and recommending actions.

Maintains favorable relationships with cross‑functional departments and coordinates with accounting.

• Establishes, negotiates, and maintains Long Term Agreements (LTAs) with suppliers to meet supplier performance and costs goals.
• Develops commodity strategies and leads supplier selections by gathering inputs with key stakeholders.
• Manages risks through proactive supply management actions.
• Reduces supply base while developing long‑term alliances with chosen core suppliers.
• Becomes an expert in market and manufacturing processes for assigned commodities.
• Leads and participates in multi‑functional teams for design improvements, cost reduction opportunities, and other strategies for operational and supply chain improvements at all levels within TKE.
• Understands and adheres to internal, corporate and governmental policies and laws related to commodities and suppliers.
• Establishes working relationships with senior management at suppliers and holds supplier performance reviews, including key stakeholders from other functions.
• Conducts supplier investigations and supplier audits.
• Defines strategies and is a strong partner with Sourcing Operations teams to drive implementation and compliance strategies at the business franchise level.
• Supports New Product Introductions teams within defined category.
• Participates in the review process of specifications for equipment, products or substitution of materials.
• Prepares, reviews and tracks reporting in relation to management of suppliers.
• Assists in evaluating suppliers' performance by gathering information and preparing reports.
• Conducts audits of supplier procedures involving company owned tools, inventory, or equipment being held by suppliers.
• Resolves vendor or contractor grievances, and claims against suppliers.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Logistics, or a Business‑related field and 3+ years business‑related experience.
• Second/advanced degree desirable.
• Project Management skills a plus.
• 3+ years of experience in indirect category/services procurement.
• Cross‑functional thinking.
• Strong collaboration and influencing skills.
• Advanced level of negotiating skills and contract expertise in corporate contract process.
• Superior organizational and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with many levels of the organization.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks, assignments simultaneously and operate in a matrix environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software and ERP.

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA).
• Health savings account (HSA).
• Supplemental medical plans.
• Company‑paid short‑and long‑term disability insurance.
• Company‑paid basic life insurance and AD&D.
• Optional life and AD&D coverage.
• Optional spouse and dependent life insurance.
• Identity theft monitoring.
• Pet insurance.
• Company‑paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Tuition reimbursement.
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with company match:
  Employees can contribute a portion of their pay on a pre‑tax or Roth basis. The company provides a dollar‑for‑dollar match on the first 5% contributed.
• 15 days of vacation per year.
• 11 paid holidays each calendar year (10 fixed, 1 floating).
• Paid sick leave, per company policy.
• Up to six weeks of paid parental leave (available after successful completion of 90 days of full‑time employment).

Eligibility requirements for these benefits will be controlled by applicable plan documents. This is intended to provide a general description of benefits and other compensation and is not a substitute for applicable plan documents or company policies.