Job TG491: Category Manager of Chemicals and Adhesives

Closed Purchasing Jobs Oct 18th, 2006Comments Off on Job TG491: Category Manager of Chemicals and Adhesives

Highlights of Category Manager Position

Working as a Category Manager within the Supply Chain organization, the candidate will have primary accountability for managing all activities for products and services in the Chemicals Category.  The Category Manager’s primary objective will be to optimize the total cost and total value of the Chemicals products and services category.  To accomplish this objective, the Category Manager will be expected to demonstrate a strong understanding of supply management techniques and strategies, including: strategic sourcing; fact-based negotiation; supply market analysis; supplier relationship development; global sourcing/LCCS.  The Category Manager will work closely with internal  customers and stakeholders to understand their business needs/objectives, material/category requirements and broader manufacturing processes.  Working with the Category Director, the Category Manager will assist in marrying this understanding of ’s internal needs and objectives with a strong supply market understanding to help develop the optimal category strategies.

The Supply Chain organization is critical to overall business success and, as such, is seeking future business leaders for its Category Manager positions.  In this regard, candidates must demonstrate the ability to lead and develop cross-functional teams made up of Suppliers and  employees.   This includes challenging and managing team members to optimize the overall areas of responsibility.  The Category Manager will also be providing structured category and supply market overviews and recommendations to the Category Director and other business leaders, therefore, candidates must possess Sr. Management presentation and communication skills.

Company Information

Stable, established firm with a presence in over 18 countries and over 12,000 employees and 80 facilities worldwide.

Key Responsibilities for Category Manager Position

  • Advising  Stakeholders on Global Sourcing Strategies, Processes and Tools.
  • Project scoping (Assessing the scope of a cost reduction project, the resources required, the savings potential, the risks and assumptions and the implementation plan).
  • Project management – Leading, guiding and coaching cross-functional team members through the implementation of global cost reduction projects.
  • Communications – Written and Oral communications to Sr.  management.
  • Create and execute project work plans and revises as appropriate to meet changing needs and requirements.
  • Identifies resources needed and assigns individual responsibilities.
  • Manages day-to-day operational aspects of projects.
  • Prepares material for project gate review sign-off meetings.
  • Minimizes the exposure and risk on projects.
  • Holds regular status meetings with project team.
  • Effectively communicates relevant project information to superiors.
  • Delivers engaging, informative, well-organized presentations.
  • Resolves and/or escalates issues in a timely fashion.
  • Identifies opportunities for improvement and makes constructive suggestions for change.
  • Remains on the forefront of emerging industry practices.
  • Motivates team to work together in the most efficient manner.
  • Keeps track of lessons learned and shares those lessons with team members.
  • Mitigates team conflict and communication problems.

Qualifications and/or Requirements

Education and Related Experience:

  • BA / BS in business or related fields required.
  • 4 years minimum of Category Management experience in a manufacturing company managing materials including:
  • Chemicals
  • Resin
  • Adhesives
  • Plastic Extrusions
  • Foam
  • Paint
  • Fiberglass Compounds
  • Demonstrated expert in sourcing product globally.
  • Lean manufacturing experience is a plus.
  • Experienced in using web-based e-sourcing tools.

Competencies Required:

  • Self motivated with a proven track record as a results oriented professional.
  • Superior negotiation and contract management skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks and assignments simultaneously.
  • Superior communication skills both verbal & written.
  • Strong commitment to personal and professional integrity.
  • Superior cross-functional teamwork skills.
  • Strong Word, Excel, Access, Project and PowerPoint skills.
  • Ability to work well internally and externally.
  • Six Sigma training and Blackbelt/Greenbelt certification a definite plus
  • Foreign language skills a plus, especially Mandarin, Czech, Ukrainian, German or French
  • Project manager certification a plus

Teldar Group
About the Author:

The Teldar Group is an Executive Search and Recruiting Firm specializing in placing professionals in Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, Purchasing, Logistics and Supply Chain positions.

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