Sr. Category Manager (Indirect)

• Senior Category Manager leads and develops strategy for external Spend Categories (Components, Outside Processing, MRO, and/or Raw Materials) in conjunction with Procurement and Location Leadership.
• Manage the performance and development of suppliers to reduce risk of supply shortages to maintain and improve Location manufacturing and delivery performance.
• Works with Location Operation Leadership, Quality Management, and Customers on the development and implementation of qualification programs for critical 2nd sources.
• Ensure the best total cost position for all external spend within the Category, the lowest sourcing risks, and the best supplier performance.
• Provide both support and guidance to Procurement, Operations, and Sales at the Locations to improve the overall alignment between Demand and Supply, with primary focus on Raw Material.
• Support actions / programs from customers to achieve efficient supply planning, qualification of new suppliers, and participation in enablement programs.
• Drive to function at world-class level by establishing best-in-class procurement processes and policies and utilization of state-of-the-art procurement systems and tools.

Major Activities/Key Challenges:

• Responsible for HFS Spend within the respective Category, including price negotiations, terms & conditions, lead times, and contract development.
• Develop good understanding of supplier manufacturing capabilities, volume capacity, and technical capabilities.
• Facilitate communication between suppliers and Location planners and buyers (RM, Components, OSP).
• Develop a robust structured supplier onsite contact plan to ensure HFS priority and to assess performance (production, delivery, quality).
• Develop standardized KPI performance reporting (OTD, Lead Times, Capacity) and organize and facilitate routine periodic Location feedback to suppliers regarding status of their performance and negotiate and monitor recovery plans as necessary.
• Work with the Locations to implement 2nd sourcing for critical Products, with a primary focus on Raw Material.
• Lead, co-lead, or support activities as required to meet objectives, such as Kaizen workshops, Consignment Programs, Stocking Programs.
• Responsible for reporting cost savings, cost increases and spend leakage reporting, as well as other reporting requirements in support of procurement program management.

Basic:

• Bachelor’s degree from a 4 year University
• Minimum 10 years of Procurement experience, preferably in aerospace, across a broad spectrum of Categories, including raw materials, purchased components, outside processing and MRO.
• Employee must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.