Purchasing Category Manager

1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

Direct message the job poster from MGC Diagnostics

LOCATION – St Paul, MN on-site with occasional travel to other site / vendor locations

JOB PURPOSE:

Lead and execute the development and implementation of purchasing strategies to achieve organizational performance objectives. Provide functional leadership to the buyers in optimizing supplier costs, quality and delivery to gain the lowest cost through the supply chain in support of the organization’s strategic plans. Will prepare quotation requests, analyze quotes and define savings opportunities and strategies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

To perform this job effectively, the successful candidate is expected to demonstrate a self-starter attitude, ownership and take accountability for tasks including but not limited to the following:

• Develop category strategies based on supply market knowledge, business needs, identifying competitive and right fit suppliers, develop regional and global supply chains, manage supply risks. Manage approved vendors listing, classify the suppliers, lead supplier actions for development and exit strategies. Collect and analyze data to identify industry / supply trends and incorporate the results into category strategies.
• Represent Category Management as a strategic procurement expert in cross-functional meetings and projects as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert.
• Drive functional strategic sourcing and supplier selection; work closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality & Compliance to align and ensure the right supply chain coverage to meets the needs of the business.
• Perform contract & quote negotiations, supply agreement development, contract execution.
• Manage supplier relationship for key suppliers; conduct internal and supplier business reviews to monitor suppliers service levels and product conformity; drive continuous improvement.
• Collect and analyze data to identify industry / supply trends and incorporate the results into category strategies.
• Drive cost saving through various type of actions within Operations, manage the respective category budget and variance according to targets.
• Ensure product / supply availability to prevent outage and line stops; develop alternative suppliers to minimize supply risk.
• Ensure corporate compliance for the assigned category suppliers with upmost integrity.
• Manage and negotiate the terms and conditions of purchase, resolve conflicting situations.
• Provide functional leadership to buyers regarding the organization’s purchasing strategies, systems, procedures and best practices. Lead buyers in local negotiations of contracts and cost down measures with suppliers.
• Contribute to optimize inventory turns and improve working capital performance through supplier negotiations and actions.
• Monitor the on-time delivery and non-conformity of suppliers and actively use the data for continuous improvement as well as input to category strategies.
• Work jointly with other business units Purchasing groups to maximize plant and company synergies.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Proven experience as category manager, commodity manager, buyer, purchasing manager role, 3-4 years minimum
• High level of business analytical skills and comfort with obtaining and dealing with data of different sources
• Experience in developing Global / regional / local sourcing strategies and risk management in supply chain
• Strong negotiation skills at various levels
• Excellent facilitation and organizational skills with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and deliver complex objectives under stringent timelines.
• Ability to read Engineering Drawings, understand manufacturing technologies and processes
• Ability to think critically and demonstrate troubleshooting and problem-solving skills – resourceful and hands-on
• Excellent communication & interpersonal skills in verbal and written and ability to communicate effectively at various level of stakeholders
• Demonstrated project management…