Category Specialist

RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS:

• Lead 7 step sourcing process for category spend segments.
• Research spend data and create meaningful reporting to identify trends, performance metrics, and cost reduction opportunities.
• Evaluate external market drivers and advise on cost and risk management tactics.
• Understand business objectives and internal customer technical requirements
• Participate and lead cross functional strategic sourcing teams. Key steps include team establishment, RFI/RFP creation and analysis, and supplier presentations and negotiations.
• Review, negotiate, create and manage contracts.
• Drive Productivity improvements such as spend reduction, inventory reduction, and supplier selection and management.
• Maintain positive supplier relationships and drive continuous improvement through ongoing performance management.
• Serve as a liaison between internal customers and suppliers to ensure customer satisfaction in regards to implementation issues and supplier integration.
• Incorporate safety into daily work ethic.
• Perform other duties/tasks as assigned.

ATTRIBUTES:

• General Business Knowledge and acumen, broad based knowledge of sourcing, procurement, contracting and supplier management process.
• Ability to adapt to complex issues where an in depth evaluation of analysis of commercial and technical attributes is required.
• Enthusiasm for driving optimum business outcomes and thinking outside the box.
• Strong customer support focus and team/unit contribution.
• Strong verbal, written and oral communication; ability to negotiate and persuade others.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong presentation and public speaking skills
• Capable of participating and leading cross-functional teams.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to management multiple projects and tasks.

• Results oriented self-starter with the ability to prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
• Must work well with others within and outside the department and be comfortable working in both an office and industrial/production environment.
• Demonstrated ability to foster teamwork and contribute to team success
• Extremely dependable. The time-sensitive nature of the position requires excellent attendance and complete customer focus
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks/projects and meeting all required deadlines.
• Strong sense of urgency in meeting customer needs.
• Must have strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint software. Adept in an ERP environment and related reporting/data warehouse, preferably SAP/BW, to drive integrated planning solutions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Must be physically able to perform work assigned.
• Must be physically capable of accessing all plant/site locations.
• Tolerate working outside in severe weather conditions as well as exposure to industrial high temperature, noise and dust.
• Access all areas within a site which could include heights of 200 feet, confined spaces, climbing ladders or stairs, and accessing tunnels.
• Will be working in an office environment, mining, and mineral processing environment.
• The employee may be exposed to the following working conditions: Extreme Heat and Cold, Noise, Vibration, Oils, and Atmospheric Conditions such as Dust, Fumes, and Metallic Particles.
• The employee will be required to perform the following actions (from time to time): Standing, walking, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, talking, seeing, hearing and sitting.
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to travel up to 25% as needed or directed by leadership.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• BS degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, Finance, Engineering, or technical related field or equivalent work experience in the field is desired

PREFFERED EDUCATION:

• BS Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, Finance, Engineering, or related field. Master's degree is a plus

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Must have 4 - 8 years of previous souring experience in relevant in a heavy industrial, manufacturing, or mining environment.

PREFFERED EXPERIENCE:

• 5 years in Sourcing or Procurement