Category Manager

Basic Function

The primary function of this position is to coordinate and manage the strategic procurement process for assigned categories to ensure the cost effective acquisition of goods and services for Gerdau North America. These activities include but are not limited to the development and execution of procurement strategies, bid process and negotiations, team-based supplier selection and development, and contract management.

The incumbent is responsible for incorporating sustainability principles in its sourcing parameters and in the management of suppliers as a way to promote sustainable development. As part of this effort, when acquiring products and services, the incumbent should work to ensure the adherence of its suppliers and contractors to Gerdau’s Sustainability Policy and Code of Ethics for Third Parties. Gerdau seeks to disseminate the culture of sustainability throughout its value chain through partnership, communication, awareness and engagement initiatives.

• Annual Spend Responsibility: $50M to $100M
• Number of locations: 20 Steel Mills
• 99 Downstream and Recycling Locations
• Supervisory Responsibility:
  No direct reports

This job reports directly to the Manager, Commodities and Service Corp for the assigned area of responsibility (i.e. Production Materials, MRO, Services, or CAPEX).

Qualifications for this job include a four year degree in Engineering or Business Administration combined with 3-5 years of procurement experience with exposure in a industrial or manufacturing environment. Incumbent must have previous experience in project management, strategic planning, performance management, contract negotiations, and working in cross-functional teams. Previous experience in global sourcing initiatives, leading cross-functional teams, SAP is preferred.

Working knowledge in contemporary procurement process is required. Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills in which enable effective interaction with all levels of management is mandatory. Strong analystical and computer skills (MS Office Suite) are a must. Professional certification in Procurement or Supply Chain Management preferred.

• Lead the development of procurement strategies for assigned categories at all levels (global, national, & regional), ensuring cost-effective results and ethical procurement practices.
• Analyze category market attributes such as number of suppliers, competitiveness, logistics, technology, criticality, market complexity, etc.
• Engage internal customers to fully understand the impact of each category to the operation.
• Utilize market and business intelligence to effectively develop procurement strategies.
• Continuously gather and maintain pertinent key supplier and market intelligence for assigned categories, such as financial performance, business activities, negotiation history, cost drivers, and supplier performance in order to support effective decision making, negotiation planning, and to reduce supply chain risk.
• Negotiate, develop, and manage supply agreements for assigned categories.
• Lead the development of Requests for Quotations and Requests for Proposals.
• Effectively manage the competitive bid process.
• Analyze competitive bids and develop negotiation strategies.
• Negotiate and develop agreements for assigned categories.
• Ensure that contracts are accurately initiated and maintained in SAP. This includes key information such as price, lead time, incoterms, etc.
• Effectively execute the supplier performance evaluation and development process with key stakeholders.
• Monitor supplier performance and engage key stakeholders for input.
• Periodically meet with suppliers to develop actions to improve supplier performance and/or capabilities.
• Work with key stakeholders to identify, plan, and execute continuous improvement opportunities to decrease total cost of ownership.
• Annually meet with key stakeholders to identify areas for continuous improvement as it pertains to procurement.
• Facilitate the engagement of suppliers to assist in the action plan to improve total cost of ownership.
• Stay engaged with business activities by attending routine meetings with key stakeholders.
• Carry out company policies regarding procurement practices, standards and ethical conduct to ensure a fair, effective, and competitive sourcing process throughout the organization.
• Assist with the development of policies and procedures regarding service delivery model and the strategic procurement process. Train procurement staff and non-procurement personnel on processes and procedures.
• Under the direction of senior procurement personnel, work with local and regional procurement and operations personnel to implement inventory policies for assigned categories.