Overview：
The Category Manager – Finished Goods is responsible for aligning Costing practices with their category objectives and collaboration cross-functionally to ensure the financial targets are met efficiently and effectively.
They are responsible for the Costing process and leads the development and implementation of Clean Sheet (Design to Cost, DFMA…) & Should cost methodology. Their team secures appropriate Charter phase cost review and approval for new GPD projects across all categories.
They collaborate closely with the Global Sourcing Projects Director and the Head of Supplier Development to define the best Sourcing Strategy and Selection of viable Supplier partner based on supplier capability/competitiveness
They are responsible of price updates for products already in production, to push for productivity improvements and cost optimization in close collaboration with other functions (Marketing, Engineering, Key Component Purchasing…)
The job holder is accountable for the following strategic purchasing activities:
Sourcing Strategy Definition
Participate to Sourcing Strategy for his Category as part of cross-functional task force (Sourcing, Marketing and Engineering)
Consider factors such as Market analysis, Supply ecosystem capabilities and business objectives to define Category sourcing strategies.
Monitor market trends, industry developments, and technological advancements to make informed decisions about sourcing strategies, pricing, and supplier selection
Lead and drive technology/product roadmaps alignment between key component suppliers and BISSELL Engineering, Marketing and Purchasing teams？
Strategic Costs Management
Develop and Negotiate Strategic Agreements with suppliers.
Implement pre-GPD initiatives to achieve cost savings/optimization within the category without compromising quality or service levels.
Work closely with cross-functional teams, including Engineering, R&D, and Manufacturing, to identify cost optimization opportunities and achieve cost reduction targets without compromising product quality. ？
Supply Base Management and Development
Drive standardization of Key Components to create leverage and enable supplier base reduction
Responsible for Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) of Key Components, drive improvement plan
Support and drive R&D teams on new technologies to find and select suppliers to answer their needs
Supply Chain Risk Management:
Proactively identify potential risks in the supply chain and develop contingency plans to minimize disruptions.？
Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing:
Champion sustainable sourcing practices and ethical standards throughout the supply chain.
Monitor supplier adherence to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
REPORTING AND OTHER SIGNIFICANT ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:
Direct reports:
none
Functional Peers:
Projects Purchasing Finished Goods Asia
Projects Purchasing Finished Goods US
Cost Optimization
Peers from other key functions:
Product Development & Engineering (including Research & Development)
Marketing
Global Quality director and Asia Quality Manager
Supply Chain Management
Qualifications：
COMMUNICATION & TRAVEL
This position will require strong networking and varied communication skills. The role requires work across international time zones. Frequent travels in China (Shenzhen and Shanghai areas) and across Southeast Asia.
ADDITIONAL CORE COMPETENCIES:
Business acumen
Organizational Agility
Dealing with Ambiguity
Negotiating
Presentation Skills
Written Communication
Strategic Agility
Perspective
Influencing Others and making an impact
Process & Speed
Intellectual Horsepower
Continuous improvement
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION:？
Master’s degree in Technical is preferred
Experience level: at least 8 years’ experience in Global, Strategic or Project Purchasing, preferable within an international consumer goods company.
Proven leadership capabilities and demonstrated success in defining and implementing within a global and cross functional team the agreed purchasing strategy and approved vendor list.
Proven capabilities to lead the multilevel business relationship between a global company and its suppliers.
Demonstrated success to negotiate complex and >50M USD purchasing contracts with strategic suppliers