The Global Category Manager is responsible for managing large-scale projects and negotiations simultaneously. Balancing strategy development with the tactical execution necessary to execute cost reduction projects through contract negotiation, process changes, and implementation of sustainable cost controls is essential in this role.

A candidate for this position must be a high energy, creative problem-solver who thrives in a dynamic environment and uses change management to guide and coach others to execute with speed and purpose.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Project Management – Lead sourcing projects and initiatives by working closely with key stakeholders and the SHAPE global sourcing organization. Identify stakeholder expectations and ensure that the sourcing project objectives, scope, and deliverables meet stakeholder expectations and that projects are delivered on-time and on-budget.

Communication Skills – Exceptionally strong written and oral communication skills are a must. Ability to present to senior management, build relationships and become an influencer in major strategic decisions are critical to this position.

Negotiations – Strong negotiations skills are essential in this role. Ability to negotiate complex global contracts is a must for this role.

Information Resource – Must provide stakeholders with relevant and timely market trends and analyses such as commodity costing and currency trends. Commodity Manager should be subject matter expert for his/her commodity area.

Technical Skills – A thorough understanding of manufacturing practices and the ability to understand product specifications and features are essential to success in this position.

Analytical Skills – Enjoy gathering and digging deeply into data to identify issues and creative, effective solutions. Must be proficient in Microsoft Excel and prior experience utilizing Business Intelligence tools is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Sense of urgency and comfort working in a fast-paced environment with a variety of simultaneous projects.

Solid analytical skills to understand market dynamics and business requirements.

Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, to convey ideas and processes.

Drive, determination, and a self-disciplined approach to achieving results.

Ability to complete work assignments accurately and quickly; ability to manage more than one initiative at once.

Ability to perform analysis and interpret data into actionable steps.

Ability to build strong relationships, both internally and externally

Focused on results – willingness to do what it takes to get the job done right

Strong work ethic – self-starter able to demonstrate strong proactive approach and self-initiative; persistent and tenacious; excessive level of commitment and dedication to meet aggressive deadlines with high-quality results.

Demonstrated flexibility and open-mindedness around change; positive, can-do attitude
Strong business acumen – strong financial, strategic, operational and leadership skills.

Ability to understand business models and key drivers quickly.

Ability to see the “big picture” and use quantitative and qualitative data to create strategies that move SHAPE forward.

Supervisory Responsibility:
None

Qualifications

Candidates are encouraged to illustrate personal experience of any/all these requirements on their resume and/or cover letter.

Minimum Requirements:

Demonstrated experience owning and managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university

Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in a strategic sourcing role within a related manufacturing industry; Three (3) years’ experience with international sourcing in lower cost geographies

Global experience leading cross-functional or geographically dispersed teams preferred

RFP/RFI experience is a plus

Special Requirements:

May require frequent availability and communication during non-standard business hours to communicate with global team members

Fluency in a foreign language a plus

Some domestic and international travel may be required (