Category Manager, Indirect

Job Overview

The Category Manager manages the sourcing activities across Komatsu North America. Identifies and qualifies suppliers of products and services to meet company requirements. The category Manager Indirect is responsible for Indirect Categories of Commodities. 

Key Job Responsibilities

• Manages Sourcing activities across Komatsu North America.
• Identifies and qualifies suppliers able to provide products and services meeting Komatsu requirements in accordance with SLQDC principles
• Provides sourcing strategy & negotiation through analysis of global markets, raw materials trends, technology, value chain analysis, and long-term sourcing plans. 
• Prepares for and leads supplier negotiations. Initiates and manages RFI’s, RFPs, and RFQ’s.
• Ensures productivity, continuous improvement, and negotiates the lowest total overall cost.
• Performs high-level global category analysis (Full spend and segment spend into sub-category if needed).
• Performs “Should Cost Analysis” cost models for Category to fully understand cost make-up and drive optimal cost decisions.
• Develops specific Category Strategies for Category of Spend. i.e., Industrial Gases, Weld Wire and Consumables, Managed Print and IT Services, Services designated for our Fleet Program, etc. 
• Leads and participate in team collaborations where Category Management expertise is required. Aligns Category Strategy with business goals and ensures communication and execution.
• Up to 15% domestic and international travel required
• Supplier Relationships - Manages, maintains and updates all Supplier Contracts. Develops Plans for partnership relationship management for selected Suppliers, to improve financials, reduce inhouse/total costs, improve quality/6S and OTD.
• Provides direction and support to foster a mentoring relationship with Suppliers and adapt tactics based upon maturity and track record of the Supplier. Ensure delivery against savings targets at required quality levels.
• Monitor Supply Markets and Commodity Trending for competitive changes and prepare cost models for the respective category.
• Standardizes Contracts and Master Purchase Agreements for Category Purchases as directed by the business strategies and corporate goals.
• Supports Cost Reduction Goals established by top management and Develop/Drive Actions to meet the short term and long-term cost reduction goals. 
• Evaluates various Supplier Performance Metrics including related value elements, performance trends and risk analysis to ensure Category Strategy is working and corrective action is taken when needed.
• Provides ongoing evaluation of the supply base in the areas of market research, product quality, competitive pricing, capability and capacity. Perform SWAT and Supplier Risk Analysis.
• Travels to various supplier locations worldwide to investigate new opportunities, improve manufacturing efficiencies, and/or resolve any supply chain or quality issues. Additional reasons for Travel could include review of internal customer spending & requirements, supplier site visits, development of new suppliers, on-going supplier management, etc.
• This Role will interact with a variety of areas, both internally and externally, including but not limited to: External Suppliers, Regional and Local Supply Chain Representatives, Accounting and Finance, IT, Aftermarket Parts and Customer Service, Legal, Engineering, Operations/Manufacturing, Quality Commercial Management, Warehouse, etc.
   

Qualifications/Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Operations Management, or Business required. An Associate’s degree in combination with extensive relevant experience can also be considered.5+ years of relevant working experience in Category Management or MRO Purchasing. 
• Must possess analytical/critical thinking skills. 
• Experience working in an ERP environment (SAP a plus). 
• MS Office proficiency. 
• Knowledge of Supply Chain programs (Consignment, Kanban, JIT, VMI, Lean, CI, etc.) and ability to manage project execution of these programs.
• Broad knowledge and experience with Indirect Commodities and sourcing methods of those commodities. 
• Negotiation skills and demonstrated supplier relationship management skills 
• Ability to work independently 
• Excellent presentation and communication skills 
• CPIM, CSCP or CPM Certification are a plus.

Additional Information