Category Manager (CAPEX, MRO and Energy)

Wellingborough - Hybrid

Axalta has remained at the forefront of the coatings industry by continually investing in innovative solutions. We engineer technologies that protect customers’ products – whether they are battling heat, light, corrosion, abrasion, moisture, or chemicals – and add dimension and beauty with colourful finishes. We have a vast and ever-evolving portfolio of brands primed to play an important part in everything from modernizing infrastructure around the world to enabling the next generation of electric and autonomous vehicles.

We are currently looking for a Category Manager (CAPEX, MRO and Energy) to join us at our facility in Wellingborough.

The Category Manager Procurement sets the organisations’ procurement strategy for CAPEX, MRO and Energy commodities within Axalta across the EMEA region. This includes the formal development and execution of strategies using best practices associated with the formal RFP process, process improvement, negotiations, and supplier development. As a Category Manager you will act as the link to suppliers translating the needs of our business in a way that encourages them to provide exceptional services and value to enable us to supply only excellent quality finished products to our customers. The purpose of this role is to oversee the category portfolios related to CAPEX, MRO and Energy within the EMEA region. The role aligns with our vision and strategic priorities, reporting to the EMEA Procurement Director for sourcing in these areas. Opportunity to join a growing team, working alongside experienced professionals. This role offers global exposure and the chance to develop and be part of high-impact projects.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead CAPEX, MRO & Energy contract negotiations end to end in keeping with Axalta best practices and policies.
• Act as a trusted advisor and partner to the relevant stakeholders (e.g. business, CAPEX, MRO and Energy) to ensure alignment (strategy, support needed and timing) on strategic initiatives and realization of best deals and outcomes for Axalta.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders on strategic planning efforts in support of both improved strategies and company-wide objectives (e.g. RFPs to be launched in following year, renewal negotiation timing depending on complexity, net new initiatives/projects).
• Collaborate with Axalta matrix partners (e.g. Legal, Information Security, Privacy) to ensure best deals and outcomes are realized by Axalta, in compliance with Axalta policies.
• Ability to take ownership of deals assigned and/or portfolio assigned.
• Leverage Axalta source to contract tooling (tracking: contracts, savings, competitive events, etc.) as the source of truth.
• Partner with peers in the Sourcing team and across Procurement to ensure cohesion.
• Evaluate our current purchasing approaches and propose improvements where needed.
• Perform market analysis, benchmark analysis, and develop “should cost” models at a commodity level.
• Manage supplier relationships and contract negotiations to identify suppliers capable of meeting product and service requirements for both current and future business needs.
• Lead cross-functional projects for alternate or second source suppliers and technology.
• Monitor and resolve major disconnects within the order to pay process.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Market analysis: stay abreast of market trends, industry developments and regulatory changes.

Key requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in business management, supply chain management, or a related field. Equivalent experience will be considered.
• Solid experience of Indirect procurement in a manufacturing environment.
• Good category experience, how to manage a category.
• Category Manager experience.
• Experience with Ariba Procurement Tool is a plus.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and oral communication and presentation abilities.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal skills for collaboration across all levels of the organization. Ability to influence. French and/or German is a plus.

Key Behavioural Competencies:

• Strong problem solving, out of the box thinker and planning capability.
• Balanced situationally deployed leadership toolbox including inspiring, uniting, developing, pacesetting, and commanding styles.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills (team player with ability to effectively influence others to action).
• Ability to collaborate, communicate effectively across mediums, audiences, and situations.
• Unquestioned ethics and integrity including the ability to work on confidential matters.
• Able to identify and prioritize critical path issues.
• Ability to effectively influence at all levels of the organization (up, down, and laterally).

Axalta operates its business in two segments: Performance Coatings and Mobility Coatings, which serve four end markets, including Refinish, Industrial, Light Vehicle and Commercial Vehicle, across North America, EMEA, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. Our diverse global footprint allows us to deliver solutions in over 140+ countries and coat 30 million vehicles per year. We’ve recently set an exciting 2040 carbon neutrality goal, in addition to 10 other sustainability initiatives, and we take pride in working with our customers to optimize their businesses and achieve their goals.