Category Mgr - General Materials

Work Location: Omaha, NE

Closing Date: August 2, 2010

Basic Purpose of Job:

Adhere to focused management of specific spend categories to achieve category strategy objectives. Responsible for portfolio of $50+ million spend segments.

The General Materials category manager is responsible for the strategic sourcing decisions for the procurement of General Materials and MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Operating) materials and services. Commodities include: Office Supplies, Safety and PPE materials, Janitorial Supplies, Bottled Water, Crew Packs and Hand Tools. This person is responsible for working with internal customers to clearly define business needs; perform demand management with the customer; lead cross departmental teams including PSM teams; lead negotiations on all commercial terms (pricing and contract terms); manage supplier relationships; and work collaboratively with Sourcing Fulfillment personnel.

Accountabilities:

  • Responsible for one or more unique spend categories. Negotiate and implement contracts consistent with sourcing strategy. Ensure that purchases are consistent with agreed contracts. Encourage overall cost reductions.

  • Develop informed fact base for assigned spend categories. Build detailed understanding of the product or service. Establish sources of supply and knowledge of supply strengths and weaknesses.

  • Manage competitive bidding process for assigned spend categories. Ensure all RFQ's have been sent and received. Review RFQ's and make intelligent, objective purchase decision that supports category objectives and goals. Negotiate with vendors of categories to optimize total TCO (Total Cost of Ownership).

  • Participate fully in cross-functional projects (e.g., strategy development, TCO reduction). Suggest possible opportunities for additional cross-functional projects. Be a valuable contributor to cross-functional sourcing waves.

Preferred Education, Training, Experience or Skills:

  • A Bachelor of Science degree - Supply Chain Management, Economics, Business, Engineering or Logistics.

  • A Masters of Business Administration degree - Supply Chain management, Business Administration, Finance, Economics or Industrial, Civil, Electrical Engineering with heavy emphasis on strategic sourcing processes.

  • 1 year(s) experience / knowledge in computer applications - Proficient with MS suite of products, Access, advanced Excel and PowerPoint knowledge desired.

  • 1 year(s) experience / knowledge in Finance - Solid understanding of business ethics, including financial concepts, terms, accounting. Capable of conducting financial analysis with some statistical modeling desired.

  • 1 year(s) experience / knowledge in lean manufacturing - Solid understanding of Lean principles and concepts.

  • 1 year(s) experience / knowledge in the Supply Department - 1+ years in a leadership capacity focused onproject management, problem solving, process and productivity improvements, preferably in a transportation, manufacturing, supply chain, or engineering business.

  • 1 year(s) experience / knowledge in the transportation industry - Railroad or transportation logistics industry experience preferred. Knowledge base sufficient to understand customer corebusiness requirements and system interfaces through which business is conducted.


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