Category Manager

Job Responsibilities



• The individual best suited for this role will be responsible for overseeing the strategic planning, development, and execution of product categories – ensuring the right products are available at the right time, quality and cost from the right suppliers with the right capabilities. Category Planning


• Act as a category-specific subject matter expert, maintain business intelligence, current knowledge of market trends and supply market dynamics, commodity data, and regulatory guidelines and employ best-in-class procurement methodology for assigned categories.


• Work with business units and regional stakeholders to prioritize an evolving portfolio of high-value process improvement and sourcing initiatives.


• Serve as a full partner to the business in evaluating and challenging the status quo to surface value opportunities.


• Analyze and support category-specific cost-saving initiatives through data analysis and market insights gathering.


• Participate in global procurement forums, workshops, and seminars, representing the company and fostering relationships with peers and industry experts. Strategy Development


• Work closely with internal stakeholders such as operations, finance, legal, and supply chain to ensure category strategy aligns with overall procurement strategy and business goals.


• Contribute to identifying potential supply chain risks and support global risk assessment of suppliers.


• Enhance competition by leveraging spend and qualified new suppliers.


• Support opportunity assessments and benchmarking to develop sourcing opportunities.


• Identify and capture profit improvement opportunities beyond leveraged sourcing, e. g. , demand management, product specification improvement, insource versus outsource, efficiencies in Ethos’s global supply chain, and other strategic and operational process improvements.


• Facilitate training and development sessions for procurement staff, enhancing their knowledge and skills in category management best practices. Sourcing and Contracting


• Drive sourcing projects emerging from category planning and strategy development.


• Assist in strategic sourcing activities, including RF Is, RF Ps, and supplier evaluations, analyze supplier performance and assess potential suppliers to optimize cost and quality.


• Coordinate and lead negotiations; help stakeholders understand trade-offs and benefits of negotiation strategies and outcomes.


• Implement advanced technologies and tools to enhance procurement processes, including e-sourcing, spend analytics, and supplier management platforms.


• Draft and review supplier contracts and agreements, managing supplier relationships.


• Coordinate with regional procurement teams to ensure consistent application of sourcing strategies and sharing best practices. Supplier Relationship Management


• Drive supplier performance management through regular reviews, ensuring adherence to quality standards, delivery timelines, and continuous improvement initiatives.


• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KP Is) for the category, providing regular updates to senior management on sourcing performance and strategic recommendations.


• Develop and maintain a robust supplier diversity program, promoting inclusion and broadening the company's supplier base across categories.


• When performance issues emerge, identify root causes and drive for efficient resolution of issues by working across both internal and external stakeholders



Required Skills / Knowledge



• Proficient in Microsoft Office ( Outlook, One Note, One Drive, Excel, Word Power Point), procurement software and tools, including e-sourcing platforms, spend analytics, and supplier management system.


• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to drive fact based decision making. In-depth experience with world class strategic sourcing and category management practices.


• Understanding the cost factors that affect internal sources and how sourcing decisions affect the overall business; for example, Should Cost Analysis, Make vs Buy analysis, etc.


• Strong analytical and negotiation skills, with an ability to interpret complex data and drive impactful sourcing decisions.


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective engagement with internal stakeholders and suppliers.


• Willingness to travel to engage with suppliers, regional procurement teams, and attend industry events.


• Able to work up, down and across a large organization; connects at all levels, i. e. , operations, management, executives.


• Self-confidence and clarity of expression to lead discussions with internal executive audiences, and challenge current practices.



Experience



• Experience in procurement (turbine parts, production/manufacturing/technical services, machine parts, controls, castings, forgings, metals, MRO, and logistics experience preferred).


• Strong strategic planning and analytical skills with a focus on data-driven decision-making.


• Certification in Procurement or Supply Chain Management, such as CIPS ( Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) or CPSM ( Certified Professional in Supply Management), is highly desirable.


• In-depth knowledge of global market trends, regulatory compliance, and industry-specific challenges in assigned categories.



Education Requirements



• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field.



Physical Requirements



• Travel: travel required; 25% travel, some travel is short notice