Category Buyer

The ideal candidate for Category Buyer Supervisor oversees a team responsible for the acquisition of Services and Materials for assigned US sites supporting continuous operation while providing insights and strategies for cost optimization and savings year over year.

Responsibilities:

• Category Management: Manage and optimize the Master Database and procurement processes for all USA sites from a category perspective. Effectively implement a contract management strategy to bundle and consolidate volumes, enhancing our negotiating power in key categories and driving policy improvements.
• Strategy Implementation: Develop and implement a category approach to implement cost strategies for the competitive acquisition of all materials and services required for the effective operation of all USA Sites.
• Market Analysis: Conduct frequently market-specific assessments of vendors and pricing structures for each of the key categories.
• Performance Analysis: Analyze and assess category performance to further develop plans.
• Vendor's Management: Develop relationships with vendors to enhance cost competitiveness and performance.
• Pricing Strategy: Continuously monitor spending analysis by categories to drive cost reduction strategies and implement agreements as needed.

Requirements:

• Proficient level of Microsoft office tools and data analytics via Excel, BI analytics or equivalent, required.

• Proficiency with SAP or ERP software equivalent, preferred.

• Self-motivated with the ability to work effectively in a diverse, fast-paced, challenging, and cross-functional team environment.

• Ability to travel to our different US sites, as needed, up to 10-15%

Qualifications:

• Educational Background: Bachelor's degree in business administration, marketing, or a related field.

• Professional Experience: Minimum 3- 5 years of experience in category management, with a proven track record of driving cost improvement via categories.
• Analytical Skills: Proficient in data analysis and market research, with the ability to translate insights into actionable strategies.
• Leadership Abilities: Demonstrated experience in leading and mentoring a team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
• Negotiation: Excellent negotiation skills, experience in managing vendor relationships to optimize product offerings.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively.

Demonstrated Abilities:

• Proven Leadership: Successfully led a team of category buyers, driving significant improvements in operational cost.
• Strategic Planning: Developed and executed category strategies that resulted in significant operational cost reduction within a two-three-year span.
• Analytical Expertise: Utilized advanced data analysis to identify market trends and opportunities, leading to optimized vendors' performance and total cost of ownership.
• Vendor Negotiations: Negotiated favorable terms with key suppliers, enhancing product offerings and service to end users.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Worked closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, Legal, IT and HR teams to ensure cohesive category management and execution.