Procurement Category Specialist

Job Title: Procurement Category Specialist
Location: Sioux City IA

Competency Level: Individual Contributor

With minimum assistance this person manages the timely and cost effective purchase of raw materials, packaging and MRO supplies and services required to meet production requirements. Drive continuous improvement to meet or exceed departmental and corporate goals. Potential spend approximately $50MM annually

Responsible for negotiating, creating and executing contracts with raw material, packaging and MRO suppliers.

Contractually securing raw materials and packaging within spending authority guidelines.

Proactively and diligently participate in required Institute for Supply Management curriculum while applying learned skills to the continuous improvement and efficiency of company. Acquire the Certified Purchasing Manager or Professional in Supply Management certification in timelines outlined.

With guidance, develop implement and align sourcing strategies and supplier network capabilities for spend categories to achieve broad business objectives. Responsible for securing materials at the lowest total cost of ownership through competitive analysis of bids, and all other costs of ownership. Responsible for resolving any problems with materials, delivery or the supplier relationship.

Responsible for being the commercial relationship owner between company and suppliers. Responsible for resolving any problems with materials, delivery or the supplier relationship.

Develops annual cost savings programs and implements strategies that directly effects company financial results.

Develop, advocate and implement sourcing and negotiation strategies for key spend areas to achieve short and long term savings targets. Manages areas of responsibility while driving continuous improvement and develop and implement protocols and practices to ensure effectiveness and efficiencies of strategic initiatives.

Responsible for managing the Total Cost of Ownership by collecting information, analyzing, recommending, communicating, and executing reduction in waste.

Collaborate with Director, Purchasing/Procurement, and other cross functional team members to establish both short and long-term business objectives.

Measure and manage the overall performance of the supplier network. Evaluate supplier capabilities and establish sources for new technologies and new markets dictated by business requirements. Identify, select and qualify the best suppliers in the industry per category utilizing strategic supply base analysis.

Develop and manage functional supplier relationships with assigned key/strategic suppliers to optimize financial and operational performance. Compile and maintain supplier and industry strategic analysis portfolios.

With minimal assistance responsible for setting and delivering budgeted plans for all direct and indirect items identified within the scope of the role and to report monthly on performance.

Accountabilities/ Competencies/Business Acumen

* Understands the financial impact of decisions.

* Demonstrates an understanding of core business knowledge, functions and processes.

* Understands internal and external customer needs and works to meet those needs.

* Makes customers and their needs a primary focus of one’s actions while developing and sustaining productive customer experiences.

* Understands risks and manages accordingly with direction and support from leadership.

In addition to the responsibilities listed above, other duties may be assigned by your supervisor, as dictated by business necessity.

EDUCATION - Must have a college degree or equivalent work experience.

EXPERIENCE List experience preferred to be qualified for the position

- At least 3 years of full time processional experience in a purchasing environment.

SPECIFICATIONS

* Knowledge - Knowledge of purchasing and supply chain with expertise in MRO category management preferred

* Skills - Must have negotiation skills, excellent computer and communication skills.

* Abilities - Ability to be both assertive and customer focused, work independently and to thrive in a fast paced environment.

SUPERVISORY

* Reports to Director of Purchasing

* Direct Reports - N/A

* Indirect Reports - N/A

Additional Information/Competencies/Disciplined Leadership/Operational Excellence/ Company Culture

* Faces challenges head-on with the focus on providing timely, effective solutions.

* Demonstrates sound judgment when faced with unpredictable situations or decisions.

* Quickly finds common ground and constructively solves problems for the good of all.

* Creates effective action plans to execute against business priorities.

* Analyzes current processes and delivers new efficiencies through continuous improvement efforts.

* Challenges the status quo by taking action to incorporate improved processes and procedures.

* Knows personal strengths and development areas; takes ownership for personal and professional development.

* Actively seeks and incorporates feedback to improve performance.

* Shares knowledge to support self and team performance; applies new skills and knowledge to improve effectiveness on the job.

* Acts with integrity; builds trust among others.

* Takes accountability and responsibility for one’s actions.

* Exhibits safe work practices while producing a quality work product.

* Keeps an open mind when change is introduced and respects other points-of-view.

* Builds collaborative relationships and shares information across organizational boundaries.

* Demonstrates and encourages open, honest communications which the position will be responsible.