Category Manager

Primary Objective of Position:The Category Manager is a dynamic role that leads strategic sourcing initiatives across the Enterprise supply chain. This role works independently and may also have 1 to 2 Associate Category Manager direct reports. The Category Manager will develop and implement sourcing strategies that optimize business partnerships and drive the required performance in cost, quality, service, and innovation. The Category Manager will create and lead strategies related to cost reduction initiatives leveraging Enterprise spend, new and advanced product development, supply base optimization and rationalization, risk assessment and mitigation, and contract negotiations including master purchase agreements.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Develop, implement, and manage sourcing strategies for suppliers and/or categories to meet Enterprise and Business Unit objectives
• Identify and drive implementation of strategic sourcing projects leveraging Enterprise spend and spend analytic tools to meet financial objectives
• Execute and facilitate supplier segmentation, Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) and performance reviews for all strategic suppliers within category
• Develop, implement, and manage sourcing strategies for suppliers and/or categories to meet Enterprise and Business Unit objectives
• Identify and drive implementation of strategic sourcing projects leveraging Enterprise spend and spend analytic tools to meet financial objectives
• Execute and facilitate supplier segmentation, Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) and performance reviews for all strategic suppliers within category
• Identify supply base risk including market assessments, financial assessments, social responsibility, environment, ethics etc. and develop/implement mitigation plans
• Establish alternate sources of supply to enhance means of meeting business requirements and achieving supply base resiliency
• Develop and maintain knowledge of market conditions, trends, sources of supply and supplier capabilities for materials within assigned categories
• Negotiate and execute master purchase agreements for identified suppliers which includes interfacing with the appropriate areas such as legal, engineering, product management, operations, quality, and senior leadership
• Lead sourcing and supplier selection process for New Product Development programs
• Facilitate and participate in supplier development initiatives including qualification and onboarding of new suppliers
• Develop and deploy standard processes and best practices across the Enterprise as the strategic sourcing subject matter expert (SME)
• Participate in VA/VE, Kaizen and other similar initiatives
• Develop, maintain and strengthen long-term supplier relationships
• Provide coaching and mentoring to other Sourcing team members
• Other duties as assigned based on business need

Critical Competencies

• Ability to organize and manage multiple concurrent projects and priorities with the ability to effectively work through ambiguity and complex situations
• Strong assessment, evaluation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Engage and lead teams to achieve results through positive, open leadership
• Ability to collaborate and partner with internal and external stakeholders
• Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to influence / motivate teams
• Action oriented, self-starter who can lead and be hands on as situations deem appropriate
• Strong oral, written and presentation skills at all levels of an organization
• Strong problem solving and decision-making skills
• Flexibility to think and react quickly to changing situations and adjust to changing priorities
• Ability to utilize standard Microsoft Office Tools, ability to adapt and utilize varying ERP systems as well as Supply Chain Management tools and technology.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, Engineering or related field. MBA/advanced degree a plus.
• 6+ years' experience with at least 2 years of experience in strategic sourcing or procurement
• Experience leading strategic sourcing programs within a durable goods/manufacturing environment
• Strong collaborative leadership style with proven ability to drive change across multiple organizational levels, functions, locations, and "dotted lines"
• Ability to work in a complex matrix environment to create buy in and implement processes
• Strong analytical skills and multiple years of experience with Zycus or similar spend analytics software
• Able to interpret technical data such as specifications, drawings, and bills-of-material
• Preferred experience in New Product Development/Launch, or Product Lifecycle Management
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft applications
• This position will require travel to suppliers, other Winnebago Industries locations and conferences.