Responsible for financial and operational performance within
specific spend categories. Position involves purchasing and negotiating
materials, equipment, and/or services across multiple Kohler Co. business
units. Accountable for all supplier selection decisions within categories.
Prepares and evaluates supplier quotations and services to determine most
competitive solution based upon a total cost of ownership. Familiar with a
variety of purchasing concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on experience
and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of complicated
procurement tasks. Conducts multi-functional supplier performance management
reviews. Responsible for setting performance objectives and strategies within
assign categories. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.
Typically manages a team of purchasing associates.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
· Manage the design
and implementation of category strategies to attain year over year material cost
reduction (PPV/MPV), material quality/delivery improvements and inventory
reduction targets through the use of appropriate supply chain
tools.
· Lead the strategic sourcing process of
team formation, research, evaluation, and structure. To include RFQ development,
quotation reviews (traditional and on-line reverse auctions), supplier/contract
negotiations and supplier development. Lead sourcing meetings with Engineering,
Quality, Manufacturing etc. to reach consensus on sourcing
strategy.
· Own the supplier relationship for the
key suppliers in designated spend category while leading negotiations with
suppliers to deliver stated objectives.
· Maintain a working knowledge of
world-class supply chain processes to ensure that existing processes are
targeted to attain excellence versus industry benchmarks. Lead best cost
country sourcing for the appropriate sub-categories for year over year net cost
reductions. Lead the supply base in implementation of eCommerce tools to
automate transactions, bring flexibility and transparency to the supply
chain.
· Work closely with strategic and
preferred suppliers to identify and resource productivity/cost down initiatives
through the use of VA/VE tools.
· Work with Supplier Quality and
Engineering to develop new suppliers as required. Drive leading edge
procurement by working closely with the supply base and the material planning
group to actively integrate the suppliers into Kohler plants through the
appropriate use of Kanbans, VMI or related tools.
· Assist in mentoring and training buyers
in best practices.
REQUIRED
COMPETENCIES
Business/Technology
Understand Legal Interpretation of contract T&Cs and
proficient in working with Domestic & International Law. Involved in the
acquisition and/or re-sale of Intellectual Property. Understanding potential
differing needs between Internal & External customers. Consistently exceed
customer expectations by dealing with internal complexities across multi or
global organization in a manner invisible to customers.
Ability to construct and manage complex, sophisticated
commercial arrangements; Capable of creating pre-negotiation strategy including
company BATNA. Experienced in negotiating/managing point-to-point purchase
agreements. Ability to construct value stream (profit margin) industry maps,
utilize advanced financial techniques (commodity hedging), and build market
comparable cost analysis. Skilled in multi-tier supply chain analysis. Ability
to create spend level strategy, understanding of interdependences, risks, and
impact of strategy by business unit. Able to develop & implement
contingency planning processes.
Proficient in managing/leading multi-location/global projects
with expanded domestic awareness of culture, currency, geography, political and
limited international exposure. Experience utilizing freight forwarding/customs
clearance services. General understanding of computer network technology &
B2B applications. Demonstrated methods for streamlined supplier
connectivity.
Provides solution/alternatives to improvement
ideas. Takes initiative to undertake improvement opportunities that are global
in scope and complexity, setting strategies for process improvements that impact
the work product of the department. Drives one company one process
initiatives. Skilled in implementing continuous improvement opportunities
within the supply base.
Interpersonal
Communicates departmental vision and goals, creating
atmosphere of open communication. Provides presentation opportunities for
developing talent visibility with senior management. Issues undertaken are
significant in scope and complexity. Actively supports change opportunities to
maximize personal, departmental and/or company performance. Influences
relationships, proficient in market research and capable of reacting to the
speed of the industry. Recognizes and capitalizes on team dynamics, seeking out
both internal and external opportunities for a team environment. Identitifies
critical relationship building opportunities.
Managerial
Required to lead multi-location projects and marshal adequate
project resources. Accurately documents performance for professional
development and establishes criteria for levels of performance.
Participates in the development of departmental and group
strategic plans and goals, and shares the vision both internally and
externally. Understanding of industry direction and influences that force
change.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
REQUIREMENTS
Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Business,
Finance, Engineering, Materials Management or related field is required. A
Master’s Degree in Business or a Technical field is preferred. Minimum of six
(6) years professional work experience with two (2) years purchasing experience
in global manufacturing companies with increasing responsibilities in a
multi-site, multi-product, company is required. International experience and
previous global travel required.
Contact me for application instruction: kimberly.hughes@adp.com
