Senior Category Manager

Are you looking for a strategic role with a growing team? Are you passionate about driving results?
Winnebago Industries is seeking a Senior Category Manager of Chassis to join us based in either Eden Prairie, MN or Middlebury, IN. The Sr. Category Manager of Chassis is a dynamic role that leads strategic sourcing initiatives across the Enterprise supply chain. This role works independently and may also lead 1 to 2 sourcing or purchasing direct reports. The Sr. Category Manager will develop and implement sourcing and purchasing strategies that optimize business partnerships and drive the required performance in cost, quality, service and innovation.

This role will create and lead strategies related to cost reduction, sourcing and purchasing initiatives leveraging Enterprise spend, new and advanced product development, supply base optimization and rationalization, risk assessment and mitigation, and contract negotiations including supply, service and incentive agreements.

• Develop, implement, and manage procurement (sourcing and purchasing) strategies for suppliers and dealers in collaboration with Business Unit Partners and Stakeholders
• Identify and drive implementation of strategic sourcing and purchasing projects leveraging Enterprise spend and spend analytic tools to meet financial objectives
• Execute and facilitate supplier segmentation, Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) and performance reviews for all strategic suppliers and dealers within category
• Identify supply base risk including market assessments, financial assessments, social responsibility, environment, ethics etc. and develop/implement mitigation plans
• Establish alternate sources of supply to enhance means of meeting business requirements and achieving supply base resiliency
• Develop and maintain knowledge of market conditions, trends, sources of supply and supplier capabilities for chassis by weight class
• Negotiate, execute and maintain supply, incentive and service agreements with Chassis OEMs and Dealer Partners which includes interfacing with the appropriate areas such as legal, engineering, product management, purchasing, operations, quality, and senior leadership
• Support sourcing and supplier selection process for New Product Development programs
• Facilitate and participate in supplier development initiatives including qualification and onboarding of new suppliers
• Develop and deploy standard processes and best practices across the Enterprise as the strategic sourcing and purchasing subject matter expert (SME)
• Participate in VA/VE, Kaizen and other similar initiatives
• Develop, maintain and strengthen long-term supplier relationships
• Provide coaching and mentoring to other Sourcing and Purchasing team members
• Other duties as assigned based on business need

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Operations, Finance, Engineering or related field. MBA/advanced degree a plus.
• 8+ years’ experience with at least 4 years of automotive or automotive related experience in sourcing or procurement
• Experience leading strategic sourcing programs within a durable goods/manufacturing environment
• Strong collaborative leadership style with proven ability to drive change across multiple organizational levels, functions, locations, and “dotted lines”
• Ability to work in a complex matrix environment to create buy in and implement processes
• Strong analytical skills and multiple years of experience using spend analytics tools and software
• Able to interpret technical data such as specifications, drawings, and bills-of-material
• Preferred experience in New Product Development/Launch, or Product Lifecycle Management
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft applications
• This position will require travel to suppliers, other Winnebago Industries locations and conferences.

By fostering innovation, igniting growth, promoting well-being and connecting with purpose, we cultivate the passion and pride that make both work and play extraordinary.

Greatness is in your NATURE.

This posting includes a range of the salary across a geographical market. The base pay for this position ranges from $140,000/year in our lowest geographic market up to $170,000/year in our highest geographic market. Pay is based on a number of factors including market location, internal equity, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Dependent on the position other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits.

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