Category Manager I

Shape the future with us. And also your own. As a driver of innovation, Viega is one of the most important technology leaders in the installation industry. We develop intelligent systems and integrated digital solutions. Quality is incorporated into everything we do. We believe that this is about much more than supplying pipelines. We turn spaces into living rooms: more comfortable, more intelligent, more secure, more sustainable. Job ID 16695 Location Mantua, OH Role Summary The Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategy for assigned categories, recommending supplier selection, and negotiating with suppliers based on long‑term category sourcing and business product strategy and TCO. The role involves establishing and maintaining contractual and business relationships with suppliers and communicating with business units and corporate department influencers and users on the selection. What You'll Do Frequent and successful negotiations of machinery and related services Facilitate the purchasing process of many different projects simultaneously Collaborate with multiple areas of the business on each project Project management – having a completely transparent understanding of project status Project management – effectively reporting various project statuses at any time Drive results and complete projects proactively, with little direction Establish strong relationships with internal business stakeholders, building a deep understanding of strategic direction, requirements, and priorities across assigned suppliers and/or spend categories Develop global sourcing strategies to deliver against business objectives for internal clients Evaluate supplier core competencies and competitive positioning using industry cost models and benchmark analysis Manage fundamentals of sourcing and supplier engagement: RFx, spend pattern analysis, contract analysis, bid evaluation, negotiations, and supplier consolidation Identify sourcing opportunities by leveraging spend analysis tools and engaging stakeholders to consolidate requirements over categories, suppliers, and geographies Work with business and finance leaders to identify and drive savings and controllership improvements, focusing on total cost of ownership Provide guidance to internal stakeholders on procurement strategies Prepare and hold business reviews with stakeholders to review vendor performance, future opportunities, and/or challenges May be required to travel up to 50% of the time. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of computer programs, including Microsoft Office, Visio, BW, LiveLink Advanced knowledge of ERP systems; SAP Expert knowledge of manufacturing and supply chain processes, matrix or strategic pricing, and supplier markets Strong negotiator with proven experience in setting negotiation strategies and conducting negotiations Extensive knowledge of the basic types of commercial agreement structures and the function and purpose of key legal terms Strong experience assessing risk and concisely explaining complex issues to principal business owners Extremely customer‑focused and takes time to understand the needs of the business Experience working in a large, global, highly matrixed organization Strong analytical skills, including the ability to quickly synthesize, distill, and draw conclusions from large amounts of disparate data Ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects requiring frequent communication, organization, time management, and problem‑solving skills Excellent written and oral communication skills Passionate self‑starter with the highest integrity and ethics Education & Experience Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Economics, or related field 10+ years of related source‑to‑pay experience in Purchasing and Strategic Sourcing Category‑specific procurement experience required In‑depth experience in best‑in‑class procurement practices (category management, benchmarking, should‑cost models, RFX, reverse auction, contracting, etc.) EEO and Diversity Statement Wondering if you should apply? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Viega, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but don’t check every box in the qualifications section, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other positions we have in the future. Compensation Base: $81,000 – $106,000 annually, based on specific compensable factors including, but not limited to, education, work experience, and geographic market. Bonus: This role will be eligible for participation in a discretionary annual bonus program, pursuant to which an employee may be awarded a percentage of their salary based on the company’s performance and their own individual performance. Benefits Medical, Dental, Vision Wellness Program Health Savings Account (HSA) with a company contribution Voluntary Benefits (Life, AD&D, Disability) 401(k) retirement plan with a 7.5% company contribution Time Off Programs – 22 days Paid Time Off (PTO), 9 Company Holidays, 2 Volunteer Days Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level Employment Type Full‑time Job Function Marketing and Sales Industries Construction #J-18808-Ljbffr