Category Manager

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Development of category strategy, goals and savings targets in line with company strategy
• Sourcing events, supply market analysis, and procurement best-practices
• Strong negotiation, project management and facilitation skills for cost reduction opportunities across the region
• Negotiate MSAs, monitor compliance and timing of expiration
• Collaborate with internal business stakeholders in developing category strategy, objectives, and performance targets
• Act as central point of contact and knowledge for regionally coordinated efforts
• Nurture stakeholder relationships by serving as a business partner, helping identify critical business requirements and providing sourcing and procurement services that meet expectations
• Leverage extensive market and supplier knowledge to drive lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
• Identify potential risks and create mitigation plans across risk types (supplier financial, quality, supply continuity, etc.)
• Drive continuous improvement efforts in total cost of ownership
• Manage new supplier selection processes and developing/maintaining supplier relationships
• Develop market intelligence on supply base, own key vendor relationships based on assigned categories and monitor key strategies and suppliers
• Accurately forecast total cost benefit opportunities
• Provide timely budget guidance to the businesses

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, finance, Procurement or a related field required
• 5+ years Procurement experience

Skills

• Strong business acumen including structured problem solving, analytical skills, data analysis and solid understanding of strategic sourcing and contract management concepts
• History of thinking systemically, challenging the status quo and building value-based relationships
• Ability to create, communicate and execute a strategic roadmap and influence collaboration and coordination
• Strong experience in procurement processes and system integration projects
• Contract negotiation and management experience and skills
• Ability to work collaboratively, prioritize and meet deadlines under pressure
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills along with strong interpersonal skills

Culture Commitment

• Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust
• Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
• Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome
• Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone
• Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

About Us

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets.

Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program.

Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.