Category Manager

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Category Manager to lead our global MRO procurement efforts. As a key member of our procurement team, you will be responsible for developing and executing category strategies that drive business value and improve supply chain efficiency.

• Develop and implement global category strategies for MRO procurement, aligning with business objectives and market trends.
• Lead a team of procurement specialists and regional leaders to drive category performance and improve supplier relationships.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with key suppliers, negotiating contracts and managing supplier performance.
• Drive external knowledge of the latest category dynamics, trends, and best practices to inform procurement strategies.
• Develop annual plans based on organizational goals and market knowledge, and negotiate category procurement activities.
• Provide leadership and support during sourcing initiatives, including total cost of ownership model development and supplier evaluation.
• Streamline procurement processes by ensuring consistency and best practices sharing across businesses.
• Develop industry cost modeling scenarios and document global market trends.
• Implement necessary tools and reports to manage categories and supply base.
• Drive efforts to understand internal customer needs and summarize business requirements as input into enterprise-wide sourcing efforts.
• Proactively engage internal stakeholders to align objectives, jointly develop category strategies, and communicate market and sourcing information.

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Management, Operations, Business, or Engineering; Master's Degree in a related field preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of business experience, with 6 years preferably in procurement or supply chain.
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to engage, communicate, and influence mid-to-senior level stakeholders (internal/external) and establish trust and credibility with business unit leaders and other functional stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills with a deep understanding of financial analysis; ability to analyze data and draw out and communicate insights.
• Capable of creating pre-negotiation strategy, including company's Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement (BATNA).
• Experience in negotiation of complex agreements; commercial skills and familiarity with contract law is a must.
• Strong communication skills in English, both verbal and written (fluent in other languages a strong plus).
• Familiarity with multiple source-to-pay systems and ERP software.
• Global awareness (culture, currencies, geography, and politics).
• Professional Purchasing Certification.
• Experience in Food/Agribusiness industry.
• Experience in LEAN Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and/or project management; Strong Project Execution is a must.
• Familiarity with E-sourcing tools.
• Willingness to work onsite 5 days per week.