Procurement Category Manager, Indirect

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The Procurement Category Manager
- North America Indirect is responsible for the definition & deployment of category strategies for North America spend in synchronization with global & regional category strategies based on related business priorities, strategic SC and procurement frameworks (e.g. ways of working in matrix) and continuous alignment with relevant business stakeholders within the organization to improve effective Business Partnering. Responsible for contract handling, negotiation and all procurement activities for assigned North America spend and suppliers within the attended Indirect categories, against the overall target to improve the procurement value contribution (e.g. cost development, supply security, improved services, agility, innovation etc.)

using the full range of options available in the market. Responsible for compliance with procurement standards and processes as well as driving supplier relationship management. This role will be based out of the US headquarters in Stamford, CT and is subject to the Hybrid working policy which does require three days in the office.

Key responsibilities

• Develop, implement and supervise local procurement category strategies for various Indirect spend defined as locally or regionally sourced by procurement. The spend budget for these categories will range from $25MM to $45MM USD.
• Support the implementation of the Beiersdorf Supply Chain strategy from both a global and regional perspective.
• Market Analysis/ Market Research, identify, document and maintain supplier pools for Indirect spend categories. Lead, analyze and present results of market tenders.
• Negotiate, review and maintain all Master Service Agreements (MSA) & Supply Agreements (SA) within areas of defined spend responsibility.
• Identify and implement cost savings and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with demand owners on business strategies and/or project objectives to select the best suppliers with the most cost effective and/or valuable solution.
• Lead multiple projects simultaneously with very short deadlines.
• Provide operational support as needed for the systematic ordering of materials and services through the defined “Purchase to Pay” process.
• Ensure Procurement Compliance requirements are adhered to.
• Achieve all required procurement KPIs in the defined areas of responsibility.
• Actively leading Supplier Relationships and address necessary issues as needed.
• Work closely & collaboratively with team members on various strategic & operational topics as needed.
• Support various administrative procurement tasks as required (e.g. organizational training, process documentation, reporting, etc.).

Your Profile

• Bachelor’s Degree in business / marketing or equivalent
• 5 plus years strategic procurement experience, preferred category experience in “Indirect” goods and services
• Experience in Consumer Packaged Goods or related field a plus
• Demonstrable use of best in class sourcing tools and techniques (RFI, RFQ, category analysis and market research)
• Validated experience in negotiating, contract review, supplier management principles and project management
• Ability to work well within a cross-functional team in highly collaborative work environment
• Experience working in fast paced environment with evolving deadlines
• Proven strong partner management skills
• Demonstrated passion for procurement and driving of continuous improvement initiatives
• Critical thinking skills, ability to find solutions to complex problems without guidance
• Strong attention to detail
• Demonstrates accountability for actions, learns from mistakes and applies takeaways
• Excellent communication skills, ability to communicate at all levels
• Proficient in persuasive communication
• Demonstrates natural curiosity and is a continuous learner
• Microsoft suite of tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Knowledge of SRM/SAP/ERP/ E-Sourcing (Ariba)/Power BI systems desirable
• Ability to travel up to 20%

We care for skin. We care for our people.

It all started with a pharmacist and a dream almost 140 years ago. Today, Beiersdorf is a global company with iconic brands — Coppertone, Aquaphor, Eucerin…