Category Manager, Plant Services, Indirect Procurement

Job Description

As a part of the Procurement Organization, this position will manage Indirect categories to establish short and long-term strategies for continued cost optimization, value creation, supplier relationship development, and risk mitigation.

This role leads all sourcing activities for the Facility Services sub-category of indirect spend, with the goal of achieving reductions in the total cost of ownership, while maintaining/improving product quality and supplier service levels and lowering risk. The Facilities category currently encompasses global waste disposal as well as bulk gases along with more typical contracts associated with maintaining buildings and grounds. 

The Facilities Category Manager will partner with business stakeholders and the global procurement team to drive the development, execution, and compliance of category strategies. Annual spend for Facility Services as defined is approximately $60 million.

The position requires transformational thought process regarding building operations, sustainability, risk management, and value creation along with the discipline to execute procurement activities according to Grace’s Procure to Pay policies.  

The day-to-day elements of the job include reviewing and approving purchase requisitions, executing strategic sourcing projects, developing suppliers, negotiating contracts, and fielding problem escalation for both suppliers and stakeholders.  

The strategic contributions of this role include a strong understanding of Grace’s global Facility spend and the ability to identify opportunities to increase quality and improve value through transformational efforts such as developing strategic category plans as well as sourcing, negotiating, contracting, and managing supplier performance, while meeting stakeholder requirements.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with multiple business areas and stakeholders to establish, develop sourcing strategies and supplier management activities with input of spend analytics and budgetary forecasts.
• Participates in the financial planning and forecasting process as well as provides relevant global market information and dynamics to internal stakeholders.
• Analyzes data or insights to determine industry and material trends, devises long-term development strategies for material categories.
• Thinks end-to-end and integrates business plans with sourcing decisions, financial performance, and supply requirements. 
• Utilizes advanced analytical skills and business intelligence to drive sourcing process end-to-end from selection through performance management to stay ahead of any sourcing issues and maximize value to Grace. 
• Provide innovation and oversight to ensure business value (e.g., cost, service, quality, and reduced risk) and open communication around key stakeholder requirements for all direct and indirect goods and services. Lead continuous supplier value improvement efforts internally and externally.  Delivers annual reductions in total cost of ownership.
• Communicates results and recommendations to supply chain leadership on an ongoing and as-needed basis using clear and concise communication both in verbal and written form.
• Proven capability of managing internal and external communication with results-driven mentality.
• Engages with senior procurement personnel and partners with key internal and external stakeholders to ensure category alignment with global/regional strategies. 

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in operations, supply chain management, business, engineering, or science.
• 7 years’ work experience in a global industrial/manufacturing environment with experience within sourcing and procurement.
• 3-5 years of experience in managing RCRA Hazardous Waste contracts a plus along with general knowledge of waste handling in an industrial setting  
• Functional knowledge of procurement, sourcing and/or category management; Strong Excel skills (e.g., basic financial modeling, pivot tables, able to navigate large data sets)
• Indirect strategic sourcing and/or Category Management experience.
• Ability to travel up to 10% of time.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in operations, supply chain management, business, or equivalent years of experience.
• Experience working within supply chain functions with strategic and operational initiatives proven leadership capability.
• Demonstrated experience with enterprise technology applications (such as SAP, Ariba (preferred), SharePoint) that enable sourcing and procurement execution and reporting.
• Strong business acumen with strong internal and external negotiating skills.  Must be able to critically review and negotiate supply contracts and possess a solid understanding of standard contract terms and terminology. Able to critically evaluate supplier financial health and capabilities. 
• Process and project management skills/ability to manage change and prioritize multiple.
• Supply chain certification (CPSM, CSCP, CPIM, CFPIM).
• eProcurement and eAuction experience.
• #LI-RR1

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance and Disability
• Grace Wellness Program
• Flexible Workplace
• Retirement Plans 
• 401(k) Company Match
• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Company Donation Match Program
• U.S. Employee Benefits Summary (grace.com)