Global Category Manager - Kohler, WI

Seeking a candidate with 6+ years in category/commodities and 2+ years in purchasing with global/international multi-site, multi-product experience. Bachelor's or Master's Degree required.

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 

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