Category Manager

Category ManagerAs a Category Manager your goal is to lead a set of commodities in the development and implementation of strategic sourcing activities across the enterprise. You'll execute the strategic sourcing process for assigned commodities by data gathering, identifying suppliers, quote preparation, supplier qualification, and gap analysis to make robust decisions regarding supplier selection and sourcing needs. In addition, you'll develop global commodity sourcing strategies, be responsible for managing supplier relationships and performance, and lead cost reduction for assigned commodities. This role will manage packaging and other electronics related commodities. This is a great opportunity for someone with buyer related experience who is ready to step up to the next level!You will do this by:Evaluating broad purchasing practices, quotes and reviews cost/price and value analysis to select, reviews alternative suppliersBuilding and managing high level supplier relationships: communicating supplier performance & gaps to goals, and outlining improvement to ensure business objectives are metEnsuring supplier training for relevant processes and proceduresEstablishing and managing strategic sourcing goals and metrics for cost reduction, supplier performance, and sourcing decisionsResearching and evaluating the benefits of contracts, open-market purchases and out-sourcingNegotiating, writing and verifying legal issues of supply agreementsRecommending and implementing changes in processes or procedures for assigned areasDefining, resolving, and providing permanent solutions to systemic supplier performance issuesLeading continuous cost reduction / value improvement activity by developing and executing projects, competitively quoting, conducting negotiations, and developing/executing cost modelsDeveloping and implementing communication plans to key stakeholdersYou are the kind of person who is: Self-motivated and driven A critical thinker with strong problem solving skills Able to work in a fast paced environmentQualifications:Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management or related field OR equivalent experience and educationMinimum two to three years of experience in purchasing or related fieldProficiency in MS Excel and/or Google SheetsExperience at a corporate level overseeing multiple plants/sites preferredComprehensive knowledge of strategic sourcing and supply strategies, purchasing function concepts and of supplier commodity processes and practicesStrong written and verbal communication skills for report writing, presentations and interactions with diverse groups of people inside and outside of the corporationAbility to work in a team environment and to build and manage business relationshipsAbility to lead sophisticated partnership arrangementsStrong knowledge of manufacturing processes and component applications, Statistical Process Control and other significant quality management techniquesStrong knowledge of basic Geometric Dimension & Tolerance (GD&T) principlesFluent in English and primary language used in area of responsibility and/or locationAbility to travel 10%, about once per month when needed, domesticallyReasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Briggs & Stratton, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, provides innovative products and diverse power solutions to help people get work done. Briggs & Stratton is the world's largest producer of engines for outdoor power equipment, and is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of lithium-ion battery, standby generator, energy storage system, lawn and turf care products through its Briggs & Stratton®, Vanguard®, Ferris®, Billy Goat®, and Branco® brands. Briggs & Stratton products are designed, manufactured, marketed and serviced in more than 100 countries on six continents. Briggs & Stratton is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity. The Company conducts all employment practices without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran's status, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation or any other basis prohibited by law. Briggs & Stratton also undertakes affirmative action to assure equal employment opportunity for minorities and women, for persons with disabilities, and for protected veterans.