Category Manager - Regional Purchasing Manager- Live Goods

Job Summary Moon Valley Nurseries is seeking a Category Manager to cover national operations. The Category Manager will lead, direct, and manage the procurement function and large-quantity purchases across the organization, and is responsible for all aspects of purchasing, coordinating, scheduling and optimizing inventory levels. The Procurement Manager will provide guidance and support to ensure the success of the procurement function.Key Duties and Responsibilities • Lead effort to lower the cost and secure agreement for goods and services• Lead effort to ensure continuity of supply and reduce supply chain risks• Implement a purchase order system• Work closely with operations team to identify and fulfill needs on a proactive basis• Represent the company in negotiating pricing and supply contracts with vendors• Prepare purchase requisitions, approve and issues purchase orders and subcontracts in accordance with company policy and negotiated term

Qualifications: Knowledge, Skills & Abilities • Familiar with heavy equipment and vehicle contracts and leases• Strong negotiation experience• Experience with setting up annual vendor evaluations and competitive bid processes• Experience with managing multi-state corporations, with over $50M in annual payables• Bachelor's degree• 8+ years' experience purchasing, planning, and inventory controls, with at least 4 years of purchasing manager experience• Proactive and organized work style• Excellent verbal and written skills, supported by strong interpersonal skills• Strong problem solving and decision-making skills• Team Player combined with ability to work independently and adapt to change• The individual will need to successfully interact with other internal departments to be successful in this position.• Proven experience in influencing replenishment objectives; supplier selection, management of scorecard metrics, negotiation of