Indirect Material Procurement Category Lead in Bury St Edmunds

The Category Leader will be responsible for supporting the Global Machine Clothing Supply Chain Group with procurement related data gathering and analysis, supplier interaction via commodity responsibility, procurement support for different sites, and the direct support of management. Local site procurement support will include contract negotiations and sourcing of indirect materials including parts for Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO), capital equipment, and services.

The successful candidate will:

• Source and issue subcontracts for machinery, equipment, tools, packaging materials, parts, services and/or supplies necessary for operation of an organization.
• Manage material aspects for assigned commodity groups. Prepare, issue, and review proposals, negotiate prices, select or recommend suppliers, analyze trends, approve payments and maintain the necessary records.
• Compile and analyze statistical data to determine feasibility of buying products and to establish price objectives.
• Compile information to keep informed on price trends and manufacturing processes.
• Confer with suppliers and analyze the suppliers’ operations to determine factors that affect prices and determine the lowest costs consistent with quality, reliability and ability to meet required schedules.
• Track and manage procurement savings targets and supplier performance.
• Be the key relationship manager for assigned suppliers. Responsible for compliance to Company policies and procedures.

Essential Job Functions

• Support procurement activities in a centralized environment with colleagues in multiple locations.
• Develop solutions to a variety of complex problems. May refer to established precedents and policies.
• Participate in determining objectives of assignment.
• Plan schedules and arrange own activities in accomplishing objectives.
• Communicate professionally both verbally and in writing with people at all levels of the organization and external contacts.
• Exert some influence on the overall objectives and long-range goals of the organization.
• Provide record keeping support as needed.
• Represent the organization as a primary contact on contracts or projects. Interacting with senior internal and external personnel on significant matters often requiring coordination between organizations.
• Prepare proposal requests, consistent with the requirements of the contract and develop new sources of supply based on quality product, on-time delivery, and competitive pricing. Solicit and award purchase orders consistent with the requirements of the contract.
• Travel will be requested on an occasional basis up to 25% (always subject to change based on business conditions).

Required Skills

• Strong aptitude for negotiations including some significant demonstrated success.
• Knowledge of Contract Law and other Procurement regulations.
• Ability to assess internal risks of designs or processes that limit supply options.
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written.
• Computer skills:word documents, excel and power point.
• SAP experience highly desirable.
• Cost savings driven with an understanding of the impact to the bottom line.
• Cost-analysis skills and understanding of market drivers.Ability to multitask, manage time effectively.
• Out of the box thinking.
• Sense of Urgency.
• “Hands-on” style.
• Experience with managing suppliers based in the Americas, Europe and Asia is preferred.

Education Preferred

Bachelor Degree in Supply chain, Business or a related field.