Procurement Category Manager

Oversees total business unit procurement for one or multiple categories. Develops and executes category strategies In support of the purchasing of assigned commodities to secure and deliver long-term total quality, on-time delivery, cost efficiency and sustainability of direct material supply throughout the total product lifecycle for the assigned commodities. Drives business results and delivers value by ensuring surety of supply, creative issue resolution, regulatory compliance and delivering innovation through collaboration with cross functional leaders and teams to provide a competitive advantage for both our Company and Customers.

• Responsible for delivering cross-functional results in collaboration with Manufacturing, R&D, Sales, Regulatory, Supply Chain, Transportation, Legal, Finance, Warehousing and Marketing to develop and lead the sourcing process for assigned category(s) to create long term value and mitigate risk.

• Direct responsibility for the entire sourcing process including development and execution of sourcing strategies, cost negotiation and development and management of supplier relationships.

• Sets direction and drives execution for all sourcing events for assigned categories while analyzing Suppliers quotations, negotiating contract terms and awarding business based on quality, service and best total value to the Company.

• Develop relationships and work closely with internal stakeholders to mutually define needs/requirements in order to drive the sourcing process across the organization while maintaining compliance with corporate policies, regulatory and legal requirements.

• Monitors and drives compliance on regulatory issues where necessary and leverages in-depth technical knowledge regarding the manufacturing of the various category(s) as a basis of driving sustainable offerings, as well as providing alternate category structures that support our Operational/Sales/Customer mandates.

• Develop solid understanding of industry related to assigned categories, including costs, demand-supply drivers, and trends and leverage this knowledge to create a competitive advantage

• Establish a collaborative relationship with existing and new suppliers and develop strategic business plans with key supplier partners to move the business forward.

• Negotiate with external suppliers to secure supply, deliver cost savings and advantageous terms. Review existing contracts to improve terms and prepare for renegotiations at end of term.

• Coordinate with legal team on contract and other pertinent business issues in the best interest of the business.

• Analyze volume forecasts and trends for items/categories, identify opportunities and initiate sourcing activities to address any gaps or overages in supply for assigned categories.

• Creates and oversees the management of Key Performance Indicators as a means of creating an environment of continuous improvement, as well as identifying exceptions and opportunities and driving corrective action, where needed.

• Deliver and track productivity cost savings year over year on key categories.

• Communicate and align category sourcing strategies with key business stakeholders.

• Develop and execute strategic projects to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage.

• Management of any new product development introductions, ensuring on time delivery, quality adherence and on budget.

• Conducts various Supplier Plant audits in conjunction with other key stakeholders.

• Travel to company owned facilities, suppliers, trade shows, etc as required to effectively manage assigned categories.

Participates as a member of the Team. Participates in the ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization.

Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons’ established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position’s role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position.

Physical Activities: Enters and locates information on a computer. Visually verifies information, often in small print. Communicates with Customers, Vendors, or Employees via telephone, in person, and/or electronic mail. May present information to small or large groups. Must be able to work in various temperatures. Move about in a manufacturing environment, office environment, and surrounding property.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): As needed in required environment.

Travel: Travels within North America to and from multiple facilities, Suppliers or work-sites or customer visits, often requiring overnight stays. Approximately 25-35%.

Technical Experience: 5-7 years’ experience in Purchasing. Category Materials experience is highly preferred. Extensive experience relative to managing a sku intensive environment. In depth knowledge of manufacturing and category product knowledge preferred. Must have excellent organizational, communication and computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.

Industry Experience: Consumer category background with a broad knowledge base on key category manufacturers in the Industry.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree in Business or related field, or 4 years related work experience

Preferred Education: Designated Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) or equivalent, MBA

We value military experience and welcome veterans to join our team.