Associate Category Leader (Remote)
Kohler Co.

Job Info

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Associate Category Leader (Remote)

Work Mode: Remote

Opportunity

Responsible for purchasing and negotiating components and/or services from suppliers.  Prepares and evaluates supplier quotations and services to determine most competitive total cost solution.  Experienced in a variety of purchasing concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Independently conducts multiple complex sourcing projects.  Performs a variety of complicated tasks.  A wide degree of creativity and latitude is required.

Specific Responsibilities

• Drive the acquisition process to secure goods/services to ensure competitiveness and to limit risk to Kohler:
  • Review purchase requirements with internal stakeholder(s) to develop business need
  • Recommend alternative material or methods based on knowledge of market availability
  • Obtain supplier quotations/proposals on prospective purchases
  • Review bid proposals, quotes and make recommendations
  • Negotiate complex supplier agreements with awareness of the cultural, geographic, and political environment
  • Expedite goods and services if needed and follow-up on major orders to ensure proper handling and delivery
• Drive the supplier approval and management process by
  • Identifying and maintaining direct contact with suppliers
  • Visiting facilities as a team member to conduct supplier assessments with respect to business practices, quality of operations, opportunities for continuous improvement
  • Supporting resolution of quality, warranty and service issues with suppliers
  • Establishing continuing total cost reduction programs (payment term, supplier stocking programs, and quality performance improvements)
• Drive continuous improvement in the quality of purchase agreement contracts.  Research current contracts and outside sources for "best practices" to be incorporated into current and/or future negotiated contracts.   Build a dialogue with Kohler Legal to establish rapport and encourage continuous improvement of our purchase agreement contracts to meet business needs and with consideration of business law and intellectual property.
• Analyze trade reports, journals and periodicals regarding market trends and changes alerting appropriate personnel to potential or imminent problems/opportunities.  Develop and/or continuously improve commodity pricing models to provide insight to future market pricing.
• Collaborate with Purchasing management and staff across all procurement organizations to develop and implement commodity fixed price programs and related procurement strategies.

Required Competencies

Business/Technology

Understanding of domestic and international Business Law with working knowledge of Intellectual Property.  Internal Customer focused to anticipate needs.  Ability to construct and manage complex, sophisticated arrangements, create unique T&Cs for legal review, and development of pre-negotiation strategy.  Capable of creating market/industry supply & demand models, build detailed supplier should cost models, and calculate TCO including non-monetary values.  Proficient in managing/leading multi-location/global projects, with experience in multi-region supply chain agreements and using freight forwarder/customs clearance service

Provides solution/alternatives to improvement ideas.  Knowledgeable of leading edge trends in market/industry, and takes initiative to undertake improvement opportunities that are global in scope and complexity; Sets spend level strategies for business unit.  Skilled in identifying and implementing continuous improvement opportunities within the company and the supply base. General understanding of computer network technology & B2B applications.  Demonstrate methods for streamlined supplier connectivity

Interpersonal

Demonstrated professionalism in communicating, with maintenance of critical documentation.  Proactively identifies improvements and Supports/qualifies/sells ideas to management (e.g. pursues champion). Develops proficient market research.  Development of cross functional relationships through active team roles and support, embracing diverse and global cultures.

Managerial

Leads single location projects and actively participates and supports professional development for both associates and department as a whole.  Develops strategic plans and goals while understanding industry direction and influences that force change.  Shares the vision both internally and externally.

Skills/Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business or Engineering.
•  Minimum six years professional experience with two years strategic category management/ purchasing experience.
•  Previous SAP experience desirable.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

Why Work at Kohler Co.?

Kohler Co.'s mission is to contribute to a higher level of gracious living for those who are touched by our products and services. We understand that it takes investment in our associates' development to make that happen.  So, we offer ongoing investment in each individual's personal development and the opportunity to collaborate with others across functions and roles at Kohler.  

In addition to the investment in your development, Kohler offers a benefits package including a competitive salary, health, vision, dental, 401(k) with company matching, and more!

About Us

Beyond the competitive benefits and compensation, Kohler proudly offers a rich history, steeped in creativity and a commitment to our associates and communities.  We invite you to learn more about our culture and company at www.kohlercompany.com.

It is Kohler's policy to recruit, hire, and promote qualified personnel in all job classifications without regard to race, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, disability or veteran status.  If, as an individual with a disability, you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact kohlerjobs@kohler.com.  Kohler Co. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.  

We invite you to learn more about equal employment opportunity by reviewing the Federal EEO is the Law and the EEO is the Law Supplement .

This job has expired.