Purchasing Category Manager

About the role

The Strategic Sourcing Manager will assist the Director of Strategic Sourcing in setting global strategy for PRL. They will direct the activities in their category ensuring alignment with global strategy, manage suppliers and relations, create process improvements, identify cost saving opportunities, creatively negotiate, generate contracts, and ensure the strategic development and effective implementation of Global Supply Chain smart goals.

Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for the strategic sourcing management goals of the company and implement action items to ensure that those goals are achieved;
• Strong and regular interface with engineering and finance regarding strategic initiatives;
• Responsible for negotiations for best possible cost, quality, delivery, and commercial alignment by developing “win-win” strategies that achieve sustainable relationships with suppliers;
• Evaluate supplier core competencies and competitive positioning using industry cost models;
• Implement supplier agreements / contracts when beneficial by working with cross-functional stakeholders and suppliers to reach agreement on contract terms and conditions;
• Research and anticipate shifts in the negotiating power of suppliers;
• Analyze industry trends and evolving technology to proactively identify supply base issues to minimize risk, protect continuity of supply, and utilize emerging opportunities;
• Maintain and develop supplier relationships (trade shows, supplier meetings, conferences, etc.);
• Serve as a change agent for business initiatives;
• Develop and implement sourcing and supplier selection strategy domestically and internationally;
• Manage and mentor staff encouraging professional growth and development;
• Oversee staffing, recruiting, training, coaching of direct reports including performance reviews.

Requirements

• At least ten (10) years engineering/purchasing/strategic sourcing experience with a track record for strategic project management and cost savings;
• Ability to direct for the management of projects and establish clear goals and accountabilities to ensure successful delivery (on time, within budget, meeting agreed upon success criteria);
• Knowledge of the legal terminology and language related to supplier and/or vendor agreements and contracts;
• Advanced systems skills and working knowledge of MS Office, with advance Excel knowledge;
• Must have excellent presentation and communication skills;
• Ability to travel as required;
• Must participate and/or collaborate with Professional Associations in Purchasing/Material Management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering preferred or a bachelor’s degree in Business or Supply Chain Management with strong Engineering background;
• Experience with managing a diverse supply base;
• Rail industry is a plus.

Skills

• Strategic project management;
• Cost savings;
• Negotiation;
• Supplier evaluation;
• Industry trend analysis;
• Supplier relationship management;
• Change agent;
• Sourcing and supplier selection strategy;
• Staffing, recruiting, training, coaching;
• Performance reviews.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary;
• 401(k) plan with up to 6% company match (no waiting period with immediate vesting);
• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability Insurance;
• Supplemental Accident, Critical Care, and Hospital Insurance available along with an HDHP and HSA with seed money;
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Paid Vacation;
• Paid Holidays;
• Paid Time-Off (PTO);
• Employee Assistance Plan;
• Education Assistance Program;
• Employee Recognition Programs;
• Site specific Production and Incentive Plans;
• Site specific Step and Skill Level Wage Adjustment Plans;
• Site specific Relocation and Sign-on Bonus Programs.