Corporate Category Manager

SeaWorld is a world-renowned leader in the themed-park and entertainment industry. Our success is built on a passion for caring for animals and a dedication to delivering positive, memorable experiences to people from around the world. Were also committed to helping ambitious people achieve their professional best. We're always seeking exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable individuals to join our team.What you get to do:Primary responsibility of the Category Manager is strategic sourcing to best support the needs of United Parks & Resort Food & Beverage. You will be part of a team responsible for Sourcing & Procurement activities with a focus on stakeholder management, category management and technical solutions. Develop strong working relationships with business units through active listening and problem solving to gain a position of influence as a trusted advisorParticipate in cross functional teams responsible for developing and implementing strategic sourcing projectsEvaluate total cost/supply analyses to identify opportunities to reduce Total Cost of OwnershipDevelop and manage new contracts, implementation/communication plans and strategies to maximize contract utilization and cost savingsParticipate in preparing and executing clear, structured negotiations following established Strategic Sourcing methodologyExecute balanced supplier selection metrics that extend beyond purchaseEnsure compliance with Sourcing and Procurement policies and best practicesPromote compliance with Procurement policies for purchase requisitions, purchase orders, invoice processing, account reconciliation and issue resolution to ensure accurate and timely financial transactionsParticipate in Article Master Data team; responsible for creating and maintaining item master records and pricing information accurately across all systemsInitiate sourcing projects through spend and market analysisCommunicate and report to management the status of any critical purchases that could affect planning and decision-makingAnalyze market trends and conditions that affect suppliers, cost of goods, pricing and the resulting impact on clientsResearch and implement “best practices” for procurement, including supporting technologies related to sourcing commoditiesParticipate in professional development activities to keep abreast of current industry best practicesDemonstrate exemplary integrity and ethics in all instancesWhat it takes to succeed:Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business, Finance or other quantitative discipline preferredProfessional supply chain certification preferred i.e. CPSM, CSM, C.P.M., SCSP, CPIMMust have at least 3 years’ experience strategically sourcing goods and servicesMust have experience with Sourcing & Procurement processesDemonstrated knowledge of variations in the financial terms of contracts, contract standards and other business practicesExcellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills, including a demonstrated ability to articulate ideas and issues clearly, concisely and persuasively to a variety of audiences, including technical, administrative, vendor representatives and senior managementDemonstrate critical thinking; consider all factors affecting a decision before making a recommendationStrong analytical skillsStrong negotiation skillsMust be able to interact with team members at all levelsMust have internal customer focusMust have experience with SAP or other ERP systemExperience with eSourcing systems (i.e. Zycus, Ariba) a plusThe perks of the position:Paid Time OffComplimentary Park Tickets and PassesPark Discounts on Food and MerchandiseMedical, Dental, and Vision Insurance401K Retirement planVoluntary InsuranceLife InsuranceDisability BenefitsTuition ReimbursementDependent and Health Care Flexible Spending AccountsEmployee Assistance ProgramLegal Assistance PlanEEO Employer:SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.SummaryLocation: SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Corporate - Orlando, FLType: Full time