Category Manager I

Peoria, Illinois, USA – Onsite Position

About the Role

Conduct sourcing cost reduction activities with a focus on fabrication. Identify and qualify suppliers capable of providing products and services to meet OE and Aftermarket requirements in accordance with SLQDC principles, ensuring productivity, continuous improvement, and negotiated lowest total overall cost. Manage global sourcing activities.

Responsibilities

• Develop specific category strategies for single or multiple categories of spend (e.g., Steel, Castings, Forgings, Machining, Hydraulic, Mechanical, Electronics).
• Standardize Contracts and Master Purchase Agreements for category purchases as directed by business strategies and corporate goals.
• Monitor supply markets and commodity trending for competitive changes; prepare cost models for respective categories.
• Primary owner of Supplier Relationship Management for the strategic supply base within a given category.
• Lead and work independently to establish strategy timelines, manage deliverables, and appropriately identify and escalate issues.
• Perform high-level global category analysis (full spend and segment spend into sub-categories as needed).
• Develop and implement commodity sourcing strategy through analysis of global markets, raw materials trends, technology, value chain analysis, and long-term sourcing plans.
• Prepare for and lead supplier negotiations; initiate and manage RFIs, RFPs, and RFQs.
• Own master data.
• Perform industry research to identify qualified supplier candidates; benchmark best-in-class suppliers.
• Perform “Should Cost Analysis” cost models for each category group to fully understand cost makeup and drive optimal cost decisions.
• Understand the type of supplier relationship required; provide ongoing oversight of supplier relationships with responsibilities for all commercial aspects, including negotiations, contracts, partnerships, and continuous improvements.
• Support cost reduction goals established by top management; develop and drive actions to meet short-term and long-term cost reduction goals.
• Evaluate supplier performance metrics, including related value elements, performance trends, and risk analysis to ensure the category strategy is effective; take corrective action when needed.
• Conduct ongoing evaluation of the supply base in areas such as market research, product quality, competitive pricing, capability, and capacity; perform SWOT and supplier risk analysis.
• May be required to perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (other degrees with relevant experience on a focused group of commodities may be considered).
• CPIM, CSCP, or CPM Certification a plus.
• 5+ years of relevant working experience.
• Experience working in an ERP environment (SAP a plus).
• Systems skills: SAP, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Ariba.
• Thorough knowledge of commodities assigned to the Category Manager under various conditions and cultures on a global basis.
• Ability to balance the needs of Komatsu regional and global business development strategies to optimize market conditions and business results.
• Management and support of $1.6 billion in overall spend.
• Procurement department typically responsible for cost reduction activities of ~1% of annual receipts.
• Work closely with regional purchasing, aftermarket, NPD, and sales/marketing teams to monitor and drive compliance to strategic category strategies.
• Resolve conflicting supplier/Komatsu concerns and interests; communicate, understand, and address them for process success.
• Knowledge and understanding of business cultural and financial differences in numerous countries.
• Develop relationships and cost model strategies with key suppliers to mitigate effects of volatile materials markets.
• Maintain healthy supplier relationships in difficult market conditions and resolve conflicts.

Risk management, project management, and presentation skills are a plus.

Pay

This role pays $78,500 - $98,100. The actual offer will consider a wide range of factors, including experience and location.

Benefits

• Health benefits: Medical, dental, vision, HSA, wellness programs.
• 401k and/or employee savings programs.
• Employee time off (vacation and designated holidays).
• Employee and family assistance programs.
• Disability benefits.
• Life insurance.
• Employee learning and development programs.

About Komatsu

Komatsu develops and supplies technologies, equipment, and services for the construction, mining, forklift, industrial, and forestry markets. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Komatsu employs more than 64,000 people worldwide, operating in over 140 countries. For over a century, the company has created value for its customers through manufacturing and technology innovation, partnering with others to empower a sustainable future where people, business, and the planet thrive together.

Since its founding in 1921, Komatsu has been committed to supporting individuals and communities through job training, skills development, and giving back. As a Komatsu employee, you will be encouraged to grow alongside our global company, contributing to a more sustainable future for all.