Category Lead (Sheet Metal) in Leeds

The role is part of the Central Procurement organization within the Europe region. The Lead Category Buyer will act as the strategic key interface between the Global ETO procurement organization and the dedicated category he/she is leading, Sheet Metal (K3), critical for our growth and essential to have both an operational reflection on the field (with dedicated plant/group buyers) and a strategic axis on leveraging ETO needs on EU level.

Role includes operational scope on the field within dedicated plants as well as global strategic scope on Region EU level. The role encompasses the coordination of the dedicated buyers for clarifying the plant/group/regional level need analysis and reflecting these in the Region EU level strategy definition focusing on ETO needs with the key stakeholders of the Category wise Strategy definition (RCMs, GCDs). On the category level, it is important to ensure the needed capacity creation and securitization for Business Continuity and focusing on the Customer by enabling full set of Supply Chain resiliency on the dedicated categories. This role will act as the SSL (Strategic Supplier Leader) for the selected strategic suppliers on a Global ETO Regional EU level.

What You’ll Do

• Develop the Category APOP (Annual Procurement Operational Plan) focusing on Need Analysis for short/medium/long term by coordinating the dedicated buyers in the Region EU level.
• Creation of the needed strategy taking into account the plant, product, local, global needs of the category.
• Ensuring the ETO level reflection on the EU level category adaptation with the dedicated RCMs.
• Coordinate the buyers and, in case of need, other departments involved in the execution of the strategy on dedicated categories.
• Be part of critical escalations (on Quality / Supply Chain) specifically on defined strategic suppliers as SSL.
• Lead the contractualization of Strategic Suppliers as SSL with MSA and specific capacity agreements.
• Coordination of the productivity levels on category base (Nego, COS and QVE), resiliency (PO2, Effective Regionalization).
• Lead Strategic Suppliers negotiations on regional EU level.
• Support and contribute to SRM program and enhance relationship through C2P (Connect to partners), Supplier Sponsorship and Business reviews over the dedicated category.
• Coordinate execution of sustainability initiatives over the dedicated suppliers in category level.

What You’ll Bring

• Degree in Procurement, Supply Chain or related field from a leading educational institution.
• Min 5 years’ experience in Procurement with strong skills in defining strategy, functionally coordinating teams, supplier relationship management and excellent negotiation skills.
• Strong in strategic thinking, someone structured and analytical.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal to convince & influence a large network of internal/external stakeholders.
• Business acumen, in-depth understanding and knowledge of the industry.
• Technical understanding of the category.
• Strong Customer focus with an understanding of the Supply chain and Quality process.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Ability to demonstrate strong capabilities in: Leadership, Digital Communication, Collaboration, Innovation applied to our practices and ability to drive transformations (transformative and disruptive mindset).
• High level of adaptability and change management, ability to learn and grow quickly.
• Demonstrated ability to build successful relationships.
• Aligning with Schneider Values.
• Proficient experience in Microsoft Office Products, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

What’s in it for You

• Competitive compensation package, according to industry standards including annual bonus, company car, cafeteria, life insurance, health care & pension fund contribution, Medicover package and a lot more.
• WESOP (World Employee Share Ownership Plan), our unique program with the opportunity to become a shareholder in the company.
• Inclusive Environment: We build a culture of respect where everyone feels safe to be their authentic selves. We are fully committed to inclusion, and our policies and culture reflect this commitment.
• Global Family Leave Package to support a healthy work-life balance.
• Exceptional career opportunities not only locally, but on an international scope as well.
• Continuous development and learning possibilities, personally and professionally.
• We work in a hybrid set-up to fit with your lifestyle.

The position will be posted until filled. Schneider Electric aspires to be the most inclusive and caring company in the world, by providing equitable opportunities to everyone, everywhere, and ensuring all employees feel uniquely valued and safe to contribute their best. We mirror the diversity of the communities in which we operate, and "inclusion" is one of our core values. We believe our differences make us stronger as a company and as individuals and we are committed to championing inclusivity in everything we do.

At Schneider Electric, we uphold the highest standards of ethics and compliance, and we believe that trust is a foundational value. Our Trust Charter is our Code of Conduct and demonstrates our commitment to ethics, safety, sustainability, quality and cybersecurity, underpinning every aspect of our business and our willingness to behave and respond respectfully and in good faith to all our stakeholders.

Schneider Electric is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities in the areas of recruiting, hiring, training, transferring, and promoting all qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, color, gender, disability, national origin, ancestry, age, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic or conduct.