
Category Manager, MRO & Plant Services
Job Description
Develop short-term and long-term category specific global strategies that align with the Company goals for reducing costs and meeting financial expectation, while managing supplier relationships
Advise teams on optimal approaches to minimize Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) while maintaining reliability and safety. Build sophistication of units’ approach to equipment purchasing throughout equipment lifecycle. Support adoption of analytical tools such as should-cost modeling, make vs buy analyses
Identify opportunities to leverage spend, rationalize vendors, identify alternatives to OEM parts, and standardize equipment / parts. Collaborate with teams across the enterprise to get buy-in, formulate plans, and execute on these opportunities
Work closely with the company’s Asia-based sourcing team to identify new potential sources, coordinating testing, supporting ordering / logistics, & following-up on issues
Collaborate with MDM, IT, and Analytics teams to prioritize needs and work towards the best-in-class approach to MRO and equipment data. Support business teams in leveraging and enriching data
Lead team assessing potential approaches to and benefits of sharing warehouse space and spare parts inventories across units
Advise teams on best practices with respect to spare parts inventory management and policies, including controls, setup processes, min/max levels, seasonality, consignment/VMI, and segmentation
Lead negotiations and contracting process for spare parts purchases, service and maintenance agreements. Provide input as needed in capex equipment purchases. Ensure that suppliers are complying with the terms of their agreements. Collaborate with business unit teams to determine how to handle upcoming contract expirations. Renegotiate OEM spare parts and maintenance agreements, as required
Interact with stakeholders to develop, engage and lead supplier relationships for extracting the greatest value in supplier quality, total cost effectiveness, enhanced service levels, risk management, sustainability, and innovation. Oversee the ongoing performance of our suppliers including objective setting, scorecard management and ongoing relationship management
Lead cross-functional meetings with various business units and develop a communication strategy to keep stakeholders informed about procurement processes, supplier strategy, and procurement policies
Execute category strategies including development and execution of RFI’s and RFP’s, document bid events through correspondence to suppliers; develop selection criteria and drive the selection and approval process of suppliers in collaboration with cross-functional teams; conducts supplier negotiations and ongoing supplier management. Develop negotiation strategies, gain alignment from stakeholders, lead cross-functional, category-based negotiation teams, and implement appropriate supplier risk analysis
Effectively document, communicate, and gain buy-in for the strategies from local executive leadership, and global procurement organization. Prepare supplier recommendations for decision-making by Company Purchasing Board and executive level
Work with various business stakeholder groups to identify and qualify suppliers, initiate requests for proposals/quotations, advise requestors with respect to contract terms and conditions
Qualifications:
Minimum of 5 years of experience leading maintenance teams and/or managing the MRO category in a complex plant / production environment.
Degree in Engineering or other related technical field preferred
Experience maintaining and/or procuring parts for relevant equipment, including (but not limited to):
Produce: Roasters, Hullers, Sorters, Graders, Pattern Packers,
Beverage: Beverage Fillers and Cappers, Pressure Sensitive Labeling
Packaging: Injection Blow Molding, Case Forming Equipment, Case Packing, Shrink Wrapping, Palletizers
Experience with coding / classification standards for parts and spend (e.g. UNSPSC, IMA)
Experience managing vendors and negotiating agreements for equipment purchases and service
Demonstrated experience in managing multiple projects across different areas of the business.
Demonstrated experience in developing, using and presenting financial information to get consensus and elicit buy-in for data-based decisions. Incorporates qualitative factors appropriate for the decision making.
Strong customer service mindset. Engages stakeholders and decision makers appropriately,
Exceptionally strong written/verbal communication skills.
Advanced computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word and PowerPoint).
Ability to perform duties and responsibilities in a manner consistent with the company’s values.
Experienced in negotiation, RFQ development and execution.
Experienced in purchasing/procurement activities such as tenders, negotiations and contracts.
Experience with complex contract negotiations including facilitating Legal reviews of contract terms and conditions.
Knowledgeable in benchmarking, indexes and competitive data.
Strong commercial acumen.
Strong Supplier Relationship Management skills.
Change agent with ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
Innovative thinker with problem solving experience in reducing total costs, improving processes, and reducing supplier risk.
COVID vaccination will be required for this position unless candidate has a legally valid exemption
COVID vaccination will be required for this position unless candidate has a legally valid exemption.