Procurement Category Manager
Founded over 35 years ago, First Quality is a family-owned company based in McElhattan, Pennsylvania, with operations spanning the U.S. and Canada. We employ over 5,000 team members and produce a wide range of personal care and household products for major retailers and healthcare organizations.
About the role
We are currently seeking a Procurement Category Manager-CAPEX Construction/Equipment for our First Quality Tissue SE, LLC facility in Anderson, SC. This position is crucial for managing the procurement of construction, equipment, and site administration for the Tissue Business, from pre-bid through project closeout.
Responsibilities
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, both internal and external
- Stay well-informed of industry trends and best practices in procurement
- Maintain and evaluate supplier performance, including project timelines, quality standards, and cost performance, implementing corrective actions as needed
- Lead complex contract negotiations, including bid processes, change orders, and dispute resolution, ensuring optimal terms and conditions align with business objectives
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, project management, finance, and operations, to support procurement initiatives
- Develop technical specifications with project team, provide vendors and contractors with RFP information
- Interpret schedules and coordinate purchasing of materials, equipment, supplies, and furnishings to support scheduled work
- Evaluate supplier performance, highlighting risks and mitigation strategies
- Implement continuous improvement processes to maximize contract value
- Manage contractor evaluations for bid list population
- Provide post-award assistance with change orders and scope definition
- Assist with other duties as needed
- Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures throughout the procurement process
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or a related field
- Minimum of 7 years in capital and/or construction procurement or a closely related field
- Proven history of successful complex negotiations across diverse business areas
- Deep understanding of relevant industry practices, legal frameworks, and market dynamics
- In-depth knowledge of commercial terms and contract language, including market-based pricing structures
- Strong data analysis skills and attention to details
- Expertise in MS Office, especially Word and Excel
- Understanding of technical blueprints and schematics
- Advanced verbal and written communication and presentation skills
- Experience with various contract types, including Lump Sum and T&M
- Ability to keep sensitive information confidential
- Compliance with First Quality Core Culture Values
Qualifications
- Customer-focused, team-oriented, self-motivated, and results-oriented
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and changing environment
- Some travel is required
Benefits
- Competitive base salary and bonus opportunities
- Paid time off (three-week minimum)
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting day one
- 401(k) with employer match
- Paid parental leave
- Child and family care assistance (dependent care FSA with employer match up to $2500)
- Bundled joy benefit (free diapers for new parents)
- Tuition assistance
- Wellness program with savings of up to $4,000 per year on insurance premiums
First Quality is committed to protecting information under the care of First Quality Enterprises commensurate with leading industry standards and applicable regulations. We provide at least annual training regarding data privacy and security to employees who may come into contact with sensitive data. First Quality is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or protected Veteran status. For immediate consideration, please go to the Careers section at www.firstquality.com to complete our online application.