Global Category Manager

Knowles is seeking an experienced Global Category Manager with a strong background in global supplier management, ideally with experience managing precious metals and/or dielectric powders. The successful candidate for this position will be self-managing, have a high sense of urgency and driven to achieve the defined supplier management strategy and goals.

Responsibilities

The Category Manager ensures that the suppliers under their ownership meet key metrics in Cost, Quality, Delivery and Customer Service. They will work collaboratively with multiple business functions in a team environment and will be responsible for the following:

• Managing overall supplier relationships including supplier performance, capability development, capacity planning, contracting, risk mitigation, and cost and quality improvements.
• Developing in-depth knowledge of assigned commodities, global supply market, pricing trends and other best practices.
• Developing and executing the assigned category strategy, and creating a supplier technology roadmap to align business requirements with supplier capabilities.
• Collaborating with R&D, manufacturing, quality, and product teams to support new product introduction, ramp and sustained mass production.
• Developing efficient and accurate mechanisms for communicating forecast and capacity requirements.
• Serve as the business unit interface and support BU’s procurement and strategic sourcing needs.
• Supporting the purchasing and planning teams by monitoring supplier performance and addressing supply and/or quality issues.
• Responsible for maintaining quarterly supplier scorecards and conducting executive business reviews.
• Domestic and international travel to supplier’s offices and manufacturing sites, approximately 30%.

• Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in supplier management and global sourcing in a manufacturing environment.
  • Ability to review and understand engineering design and manufacturing process documentation.
  • Experience developing, leading, and executing strategies reducing cost, risk, and lead times.
  • Experience with contract negotiation and execution. Strong negotiation skills.
  • Demonstrated use of technical, analytical, and management skills to lead RFQs, supplier selection, supplier capacity planning, and supplier risk identification/mitigation in NPI programs.

  Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Business Administration, Industrial or Operations Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
  • Experience with Precious Metals and/or Dielectric Powders
  • CPM or CPIM certification
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment while prioritizing and managing multiple stakeholders and responsibilities.
  • Highly effective oral and written communication skills (written and presentation).
  • Highly proficient in using Microsoft Office tools and ERP Systems.