Category Manager

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in India.

📋 Description

• Assume direct responsibility for categories including Molding, Rubber, Resin, silver contacts, and Fasteners.

• Oversee material categories utilized at all EII facilities on a global scale.

• Establish category strategy and uphold the approved vendor list (AVL).

• Lead sourcing activities, commercial negotiations, and request for quotations (RFQs).

• Manage suppliers by multisourcing, rebalancing, consolidating, and creating cost models.

• Assist in supplier development and negotiations for other global categories within the region.

• Collaborate across functions to implement category strategies across various product lines.

• Consolidate and rationalize the global supplier base and reallocate spend to strategic suppliers.

• Oversee suppliers to ensure cost efficiency, quality, timely delivery, and service levels.

• Conduct regular business evaluations with strategic suppliers and initiate corrective measures for underperforming suppliers.

• Develop and implement annual cost-reduction initiatives, including VeVa projects, CoS, negotiations, and cost model execution.

• Work alongside engineering teams to ensure timely execution of cost-saving projects.

• Negotiate payment terms to secure competitive Days Payable Outstanding (DPO).

• Collaborate with category managers in other regions, support or lead negotiations, identify new suppliers, and expand sourcing options.

• Keep track of industry trends, regulations, performance metrics, market conditions, competitors, and relevant market data.

• Provide market intelligence and industry insights in collaboration with cross-functional teams.

⛳️ Requirements

• Over 10 years of experience in procurement, with a strong emphasis on category management.

• More than 10 years of experience with manufactured products; experience in industrial end markets is preferred.

• Proven track record of cultivating strong, mutually beneficial relationships with key stakeholders.

• Ability to analyze and interpret various data sets, delivering concise and insightful analyses.

• Proficient in sourcing processes, contracting, and negotiation techniques.

• Capacity for deep analytical thinking when interpreting data and presenting findings.

• Experience in setting category strategies and utilizing strategy-setting frameworks such as Porter's 5 Forces, SWOT analysis, and AT Kearney Chessboard.

• Strong communication abilities, with the capability to engage effectively with peers.

• Ability to operate independently and thrive under pressure while being a collaborative team player.

• Self-management skills and a proactive attitude.

• Proficient in English communication, both spoken and written.

• Competent in Excel, PowerPoint, and similar software tools.

• Excellent communication skills.

• Project management capabilities.

• Knowledge of cost modeling.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary package.

• Comprehensive benefits.

• Performance-based bonuses.

• Flexible work arrangements.

• Opportunities for employee growth and development.

• Additional development opportunities.

• An inclusive workplace culture.