Procurement Category Specialist

Locations Office Main 318, 318 E Main St, Siloam Springs, AR 72761, USA Description Provides overall support of the Procurement team through assigned responsibilities and additional Category Management duties as required. Responsible for creating and executing strategies and tactics to deliver Raw Materials, Packaging and/or Indirect supplies to meet the needs of the business. This includes evaluating opportunities, analyzing data and making decisions to balance quality, cost and surety of supply to optimize business results. General responsibilities include item set‑up/maintenance, supplier evaluation and performance management, regulatory compliance, volume forecast review and adjustments, risk assessment and mitigation and other Category Management related duties as assigned. Responsibilities Understand Business Requirements and Challenges through interviews with key stakeholders (Operations, Planning, R&D, Finance, Purchasing, Procurement Services, Sales, Engineering, etc). Identify and manage exceptions to established Supplier Performance targets. Review and adjust Supplier Forecasts and resolve discrepancies with Suppliers to ensure efficient inventory management and product flow. Prepare and report data as needed/requested to management. Track and report Supplier Risk and facilitate Mitigation Strategy Development and Implementation. Forecast communication with suppliers (reviewing and sending monthly updates). KPI metric review and communication with Category Managers. Development of Standard Work Practices (SWI) to deliver consistent execution and improve efficiency. Commodity tracking, analysis, trend identification and reporting to the Category Management teams. Manage and complete sustainability requests from Sales. Assist in executing monthly cost forecasting process. Develop, roll‑out and maintain monthly market trend reporting process. Complete SRSA process for new items and lead communication with cross‑functional teams. Manage ingredient testing and set‑up. Support Category Managers in SIR Reviews. Prepare and load cost updates into systems to support the Category Managers. Coordinate, schedule and organize Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) for strategic Suppliers. Identify, analyze and provide insights on Supplier Scorecards to Category Managers. Participate as a member of the Team. Participate in the ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinate work to ensure best practices with all team members; attend appropriate team meetings; foster strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; accept responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bring them to the attention of the team leader and work with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways to achieve synergy within the larger organization. Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Familiar with Simmons’ established operating systems (e.g., quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understand the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position’s role in support of these systems. Perform other duties as necessary in support of business objectives. Physical Activities: Enters and locates information on a computer, visually verifies information, communicates with customers, vendors, employees via telephone, web‑based meeting, in person, and/or electronic mail; may present information to small or large groups; must be able to work in various temperatures; move about in a manufacturing, office, and surrounding property environment. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): As needed in required environment. Travel: Travels within North America to and from multiple facilities, suppliers or work‑sites or customer visits, often requiring overnight stays. Approximately 5-15%. Technical Experience: High level of competency in Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, etc.), Oracle ERP and/or JDE experience, Tableau, Oracle Analytics Cloud or other reporting platform experience. Process driven mindset and ability to drive efficiency gains through automation; foster and develop relationships with cross‑functional teams to deliver business results. Strong communication skills (written, verbal and presentation). Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree in Purchasing, Supply Chain, or other business or Agriculture related area or 4 years related experience. Strong and demonstrated Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Tableau experience. Preferred Education: Designated Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) or equivalent, MBA. Qualifications We value military experience and welcome veterans to join our team. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr