QUALIFICATIONS:

Academic/Educational Requirements:

• Post-secondary education related to Business, Supply Chain Management, or Agriculture and/or professional designation such as CPIM is considered an asset.

REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE:

• Relevant experience in a manufacturing or agriculture business environment.
• Related work experience in a supply chain-purchasing environment or product management.
• Demonstrated negotiation experience and strong negotiations skills sets (communication, assertiveness, results-oriented, persuasive).
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to organize and analyze large amounts of data.
• JD Edwards experience is considered an asset.
• Good understanding of Quality Control, Inventory Management and Logistics
• Willingness to travel to trade shows, supplier visits or Westward Part’s offices and attend to work functions where and when they occur.

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

Associate Category Managers are responsible for applying category strategies to support sales initiatives, coordinate inventory flow, facilitate product sales training, maintain product attributes and participate in marketing initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinate inventory and product marketing strategies with suppliers to create opportunities for Westward Parts.
• Analyze product and category trends, benchmarking against leading competitors.
• Maintain ERP system (JD Edwards) by updating product information, listing new products and ensuring that data is accurate.
• Participate in the development of pricing strategy. Perform market analysis and contrast Westward Parts price data against leading competitors.
• Prepare reports for management and participate in operations strategy and risk management discussions.
• Take part in negotiations with suppliers to advance Westward Part’s competitive position.
• Analyze inventory levels across all warehouse locations to meet internal and external demand of product to minimize out of stock situations.
• Work closely with carriers and explore any intercompany cost saving opportunities.
• Monitor Purchase Order status to ensure orders are accurately forecasted and up to date.
• Coordinate the flow inventory, following established business processes and standardized tools to ensure efficiency.
• Support Marketing Department with up-to-date information and product content.
• Support sales by quoting on product opportunities, ensuring each product achieves KPIs.
• Contribute to the goals of the department by creating a positive work environment that includes respect for others, open communication and a commitment to teamwork. Participate in team meetings and contribute recommendations for improving workflow or creating efficiencies within the team.
• Other Responsibilities as delegated by the Purchasing Manager.