GENERAL SUMMARY

The Strategic Sourcing Category Manager is responsible for sourcing, evaluating and developing potential sources of supply in alignment with the strategic goals of the company. They are responsible for the strategy and management of multiple categories of products and services to ensure cost-effectiveness and alignment with company needs. In addition, the Strategic Sourcing Category Manager is responsible for monitoring market trends, identifying cost-saving opportunities and creating agreements and contracts to assure seamless availability of products and services to support company objectives.
The Strategic Sourcing Category Manager will source and manage the following categories: Actuation, Metal, Coatings, Rubber, Non-Rubber Polymers, Electric Components, Pipe, Stems, Shafts, Chemicals, cylinders, Plastic, additional categories as required.
This position is currently eligible for DeZURIK’s hybrid work schedule.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Business/Materials Management preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a similar role, with proven record in successfully managing projects and contracts.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Record of successful supplier negotiations and management.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Global business knowledge and experience.
• Must understand the steps required to turn Engineering drawings into production-ready parts.
• Knowledgeable in cost reduction techniques, just-in-time principles, standard cost, and total cost & quality management.
• APICS or CPM Certification preferred.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Manage supplier risk and mitigation across all assigned categories
• Deliver the best overall value (cost, lead time, quality, terms) for assigned categories
• Provide global/regional strategies to achieve corporate and plant location objectives.
• Cultivate and develop partner relationships with strategic suppliers to ensure DeZURIK remains a customer of choice
• Lead and direct cross-functional sourcing projects including new vendor identification, initial assessment and qualification.
• Effectively manage supplier selection to meet strategies for supplier capabilities requirements.
• Conduct market research and develop category-specific strategies to improve cost, quality and delivery.
• Analyze and evaluate quotations to assure quality, delivery and total cost are satisfactory.
• Actively negotiate with suppliers to address quality, price, or service discrepancies.
• Provide costing standards for commodity products.
• Establish contracts for products in alignment with corporate and plant location objectives.
• Make recommendations to improve productivity, quality, and efficiency of vendor operations.
• Regularly perform detailed market analysis with respect to global commodities, specific industries, exchange rates, trade compliance issues affecting acquisition and labor rates.
• Provide forecasts to management of trends, opportunities and potential risk areas.