CATEGORY MANAGER, Location: Cluj-Napoca

Our client is an US based global manufacturing organization, employing over 133,000 people worldwide with a turnover of over $21 billion in 2010, with more than 20 years of experience in Sales, Engineering and Manufacturing in Central & Eastern Europe

Requirements:

- Business B.A./B.S. or the equivalent combination of education and experience required
- M.B.A or equivalent strongly preferred; experience in mining or other relevant industries strongly desired
- 8 – 10 years general leadership and management experience
- excellent organizational, project management, communication (written and verbal), and leadership / management skills
- extensive knowledge of category management practices and principles
- expertise in supplier and contracts negotiation
- knowledge of strategic sourcing and supplier alliance implementation
- in-depth supplier / industry analysis experience
- extensive Category (industry / market) knowledge
- financial data knowledge
- strong computer literacy
- strong interpersonal and facilitation skills
- high level of customer focus

Role: Manages the overall sourcing, supplier management, asset management and logistic aspects for a category or group of categories that comprise their responsibility. The Category Manager works closely with supported customers to identify new procurement needs and rectify procurement / supply related issues. The CM must build close relationships with both the business customers he/she supports and the contracted suppliers

Job Responsibilities:

- develop target goals and objectives for business segment that will help the company achieve its objectives
- develop a project plan with timeline and resources for achieving targeted goals and objectives
- measures and track and report the categories performance against plan
- develop and continually improve skills and competencies of Supply Chain professional engaged in acquisition of goods and services for the category
- identify, evaluate, and verify the capabilities of suppliers in a specific category and how those capabilities relate to customer requirements
- manage spend, cash flow, and supply-related assets (e.g., inventory)
- consolidate supply base and leverage enterprise volume to realize savings, while considering the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) across the Supply Chain
- lead the industry analysis to identify size of industry, leading players, and specific industry characteristics
- establish and managed planning & forecasting of demand for all goods and services that comprise their business segment including operational and capital requirements
- develop a comprehensive category strategy, based on customer and industry analyses
- define the contract negotiation strategy approach, including timeline and customer / supplier requirements
- define the contract implementation approach based on timing and potential issues for implementation
- lead contract negotiation preparation and contract negotiations with suppliers
- lead the appropriate sourcing process for contracts nearing expiration date
- identify opportunities for expanded supplier relationships to enable enhanced business partnerships and offerings
- develop close relationships with both suppliers and appropriate business customers
- establish Service Level Agreements (SLA’s) with key customers and ensure delivery in accordance with SLA’s
- develop close relationships with other Category Managers to identify increased economies with suppliers and supply chain best practices
- develop new ways to assist customers by continuously expanding their knowledge of the supplier / industry marketplace and the needs of supported customer groups
- resolve issues that buyers are unable to solve, and identify and gather issues and risks for management through appropriate methods (e.g., focus groups, meetings, surveys, etc.)
- provide continuous input to the development of processes, ethics, and supplier relationship management guidelines
- facilitate and coordinate the disposal or reallocation of assets in segment
- works with Logistics Category Manager (CM) to coordinate development of a Logistic Strategy for categories in business segment
- communicate sourcing and fulfillment strategies, policies, & procedures to the wider company outside of the Supply Chain Organization
- develop and maintain a communication plan with key stakeholders, customers and suppliers
- implements changes to processes based on industry best practices
- monitor category KPIs and gathers feedback through internal and external sources
- communicate results of improved performance to procurement organization
- set clear goals and standards for direct reports, where required

SALES CONSULTING, a human resources company with more than 10 years experience in this field, is structured on 3 main domains/directions of activities: personnel recruitment and selection, assessment and personnel leasing (www.salesconsulting.ro).