Category Manager – III

• Maintain the highest level code of conduct and ethics
• Create and implement category strategies to optimize cost, quality and delivery
• Manage complex multi-year customer/supplier relationships aligned to front-end portfolio strategies
• Plan, organize, direct, control, and communicate strategic sourcing activities for BU products and assigned commodities
• Align cross-functional supply, engineering, technical support, product management, and operations groups
• Conduct brainstorming sessions at Zurn Elkay facilities to identify strategic commodities and deployment priorities for cost-saving initiatives
• Provide oversight to sourcing/project managers on project deployment with internal and external stakeholders
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify, screen, and qualify strategic suppliers
• Work with global facilities to create regional and global material cost savings funnels aligned with commercial strategies and financial targets
• Drive spend analysis and countermeasures for projects falling short of plan
• Apply total cost of ownership understanding
• Assess process improvements, influence change, and drive innovation and continuous improvement
• Collaborate with global business units on RFPs and RFQs and lead supplier screening and selection
• Negotiate and draft supply agreements covering payment terms, deliveries, price, freight, currency exchange, commodity fluctuation, and inventory levels
• Analyze market and delivery conditions and prepare market analysis reports
• Report on agreed-upon KPIs and present strategic sourcing plans, activities, and progress

• BA or BS degree preferably in Engineering or Supply Chain competency; minimum in a business/industrial related field
• At least 5 years of experience as a Category Manager in an industrial manufacturing environment with experience in an Engineering, Supply Chain, or similar position
• Proven success of strategically working with suppliers or customers
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally ~25%
• Experience sourcing in low-cost regions
• Experience working with multiple locations globally
• Proven success in a change management and “stretch” environment

Demonstrates expertise in strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, and cost optimization within an industrial manufacturing context. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive continuous improvement initiatives while managing complex projects and negotiations.

• Strategic Sourcing
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Cost Optimization
• Change Management
• Market Analysis

• Category Strategy Development
• Spend Analysis
• Total Cost of Ownership
• Negotiation of Supply Agreements
• Project Management

• Collaboration
• Communication
• Influencing Change
• Problem Solving

• Industrial Manufacturing
• Supply Chain Management
• RFPs
• RFQs
• Low-Cost Region Sourcing