Category Manager

at Aston Carter in Des Plaines, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Description:

+ Responsible for leading the strategic sourcing activities for assigned categories to include: strategy development, RFx process, bid evaluation, supplier selection, contract, price & terms negotiations, performance evaluation, etc.

+ Responsible for organizing and leading cross-functional Category Teams as part of category strategy development, to optimize value, including cost savings, cost Avoidance, rebate enhancements, and KPI monitoring.

+ Responsible for developing in-depth operational knowledge of assigned category areas to ensure an understanding of the supply market dynamics and how they relate to the requirements of the organization and its clients.

+ Lead Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) activities for assigned categories.

+ Evaluate new and existing strategic suppliers, fostering relationships to create innovative and collaborative partnerships that achieve competitive advantage.

+ Responsible for achieving annual cost savings objectives.

+ Support the annual planning process by developing category forecasts for spend, volumes and rebates.

+ Create and/or improve policies and processes to support improved Procurement and supplier relations.

+ Other duties assigned to ensure overall departmental efficiency.

Skills & Qualifications:

+ BS/BA degree or equivalent experience required. Degree preferably in Business/Finance/Accounting.

+ CPM, CPSM, CPSC certification a plus.

+ 4-6 years of Category Management experience in a Procurement role.

+ Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) experience. Experience reading and understanding supply and service contracts.

+ Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PowerBI).

+ Ability to work independently, creatively, and efficiently in a dynamic environment.

+ Strong listening, communication (verbal, written), planning and organizational skills.

+ Mastery of Strategic Sourcing concepts.

+ Strong negotiation techniques, ability to interface with all levels of management, and ability to understand financial benefits.

Experience Level:

Intermediate Level

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service.

At Aston Carter, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I are embedded into our culture through:

+ Hiring diverse talent

+ Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection

+ Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes

+ Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com (%20astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com) for other accommodation options.