Regional Category Manager
The Regional Category Manager is responsible for category spend within Firestone Building products. This position drives procurement sourcing initiatives in the region and is directly responsible for delivering on agreed-to-objectives and achieving increased competitiveness. This potion is accountable for regional category performance and responsible for continuity of category supply, including actively monitoring and supplier risk mitigation.
The position will be measured based the main KPIs: financial performance (PPV), raw material availability and quality
Take ownership for delivering targeted bottom line results for the category, control and manage category cost development, using PPV as main performance management tool
Develop, manage and implement proactive sourcing strategies for all materials managed
Benchmark materials on global basis (especially with Europe and China regions) in categories and work well with other regions
Document supply/demand/capacity balances, trends and supplier interruptions
Monitor key cost drivers for materials managed and provide monthly updates on key materials managed
Identify, develop, and lead qualification of new suppliers to drive savings and reduce supply risk
Actively seek to reduce risk and number of single/sole source materials
Accountable for regional category performance to deliver lowest total cost for materials managed Conducts Negotiations, RFQ’s and Manages all aspects of Supplier Relationships
Responsible for the selection, development and overall management of suppliers performance
Lead negotiations with suppliers to meet sourcing strategies and key objectives
Negotiate contracts with suppliers and works with legal to adhere to all requirements
Maintain open, direct and professional communications with all departments within the organization to insure total understanding of their requirements.
Work closely with user plants to address supply issues and/or proactively improve supplier performance
Arrange and conduct supplier audits in coordination with the QA manager(s) and Firestone standards
Work in a professional and ethical manner to suppliers and others at Firestone provides timely updates to management and internal customers on managed materials
Participate in Expert Team Meetings, works with R&D and marketing within their Product areas.
Responsible for formal presentation to the plants on a regular basis on cost reduction activities, process improvements and their implementation along with their cost benefits
Maintain and enter information as needed in Procurement Management Systems
Support new vendor and material requests in SAP for new products, product transfers, and acquisitions
REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Bachelor of Science, min. 5-year experience in procurement, sales/marketing, quality or supply chain.
Cross functional experience in purchasing chemical raw materials, sales, business management with a manufacturing or specialty company
Possesses a very good knowledge of SAP and follows Procurement policies and procedures
REQUIRED PERSONAL COMPETENCES
Good analytical and Problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and project management skills
Demonstrated leadership and negotiation skills
Attention to detail
Cooperating constructively
Continuous improvement
REQUIRED TECHNICAL SKILLS
MS Office
SAP
Experience with Chemical Industry
Language: English
