Category Manager

Position Overview

A world class global procurement function will be a central pillar in delivering this new operating structure. A more centralised approach will enable significant value creation and leverage on over $2 billion of group spend.

This new role has been created to support the delivery of the DREAM ambition and reports directly into Global Procurement Category Director based out of Switzerland. The scope of the role is broad and will require both proven technical and leadership skills for the right candidate to succeed. As a key partner to procurement, product, commercial, supply-chain & finance teams, this role has broad organisational exposure.

Relationships and Efficiency will be constituent parts of the role, so good all round commercial acumen are essential as well as being highly analytical.

The role, based in Broomfield CO, will be global in nature with team colleagues being based primarily in Europe & the USA.

Previous experience of working in a category management role in an highly international environment are essential to enable the right individual to hit the ground running. Strategic sourcing, retail or supply-chain backgrounds could all be considered relevant to this environment. Transformation exposure would be a distinct advantage.

What you'll do

• Leads sourcing activities for one or more categories of spend, with the goal of achieving significant initial cost reductions, while maintaining/improving product quality and supplier service levels
• Controls directly the results achieved with a strong intervention power in case of under-performing results
• Serves as the strategic stakeholder with supplier organizations and in corporate functions to develop and execute effective cost reduction strategies and implementation plans
• Support innovation process e.g., supplier identification, utilizing supplier capabilities for best-in-class product design

More specifically the role will be responsible for:

• Own category savings and implementation of projects to deliver against target
• Monitor performances of suppliers and the compliance with guidelines
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for key spend categories
• Monitor strategy implementation and contract compliance
• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to develop new products / fabric collections
• Develop potential scenarios and negotiation tactics
• Prepare and conduct negotiations
• Build implementation plan after contract award
• Lead sourcing events for market benchmarking and best-in-class cost structure
• Revenue protection in case of supply disruptions by working closely with suppliers to find solutions
• Uphold internal and external policies, regulations and laws
• All other duties as assigned

Who you are

Professional

• BA required (MBA or Masters preferred)
• Successful, multi-year track record in Procurement

Technical / Functional

• Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills (multiple complex analyses simultaneously)
• Good planning / project management skills
• Strong negotiating skills
• Strategy development

Behavioral

• Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
• Passion for cost and value improvements
• Strong leadership skills
• Comfortable with conflict
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Change management, able to manage ambiguity and drive conclusion

Key Stakeholders

• External Partners and suppliers
• Business Partners, Product Design and Commercial Teams
• R&D, Engineering and Supply Chain
• Group Finance teams

What's in it for you?

• Annual base salary range: $119k- $161k
• Bonus target range: 25-35%
• Generous benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability
• A company culture that prioritizes internal development and professional growth
• Time off with pay
• 401(k) plan with a degree of employer matching
• Paid parental leave
• Wellness programs and product discounts

Please note, all offers presented to candidates are carefully crafted to ensure market competitiveness, equity, and reflect the individual candidate's education, experience, skills and potential.
Hunter Douglas is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with applicable employment laws. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled are encouraged to apply.

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