Category Manager

Job Overview

This Category Manager Role at Komatsu Mining will be responsible for the Mechanical-type Hardware Categories of Commodities. This Role will interact with a variety of areas both internally and externally, including but not limited to:

•External Suppliers – All business levels, Sales Managers, Directors, VPs,Presidents/CEO encompassing divisional and corporate levels.
•Regional and Local Supply Chain Representatives.
•Accounting and Finance – Resolving invoice issues, monitoring PPV andresolving differences.
•IT – Development of any Supply Chain tools and testing to maximizeProcurement efficiencies.
•Aftermarket Parts and Customer Service – ensure Procurement support ofAftermarket customer needs. Expediting and RFQ’s.
•Legal – Contracts, global compliance initiatives, UCC filings terms and conditionsetc.
•Engineering – Clarifying design and proposing alternatives, NPD discussions,deviation requests.
•Operations/Manufacturing – Confirming operations plans and implementationdates.
•Quality – Technical reviews, MRB, material deviations, COPQ and SCARs.
•Commercial Management – NPD.
•Warehouse – as applicable

This Role will Travel up to 15% both Internationally and Domestically. (Travel locations currently include Japan, China, Asia, Europe, India, Mexico, Peru, Russia, South Africa, South America and Australia, along with the United States.)

Key Job Responsibilities

Manage Sourcing activities across Komatsu North America. Identify and qualify Suppliers capable of providing products and services to meet OE and Aftermarket requirements in accordance with SLQDC principles; ensuring productivity, continuous improvement, and negotiated lowest total overall cost. Sourcing Strategy & Negotiation - Develop and implement the commodity sourcing strategy through analysis of global markets, raw materials trends, technology, value chain analysis, and long-term sourcing plans. Prepare for and lead supplier negotiations. Initiate and manage RFI’s, RFPs, and RFQ’s.

• Perform high-level global category analysis (Full spend and segment spend into sub-category if needed). Perform “Should Cost Analysis” cost models for Category to fully understand cost make-up and drive optimal cost decisions.
• Develop specific Category Strategies for Category of Spend. i.e., Mechanical-type Hardware. Perform Industry Research to identify Qualified Suppliers to meet Komatsu needs. Benchmark Best in Class Suppliers. Lead and participate in Team Collaborations where Category Management expertise is required. Ensure Category Strategy is reflective of business goals, communicated, and executed.
• Supplier Relationships - Manage, maintain and update all Supplier Contracts. Develop Plans for partnership relationship management for selected Suppliers, to improve financials, reduce inhouse/total costs, improve quality/6S and OTD. Provide direction and support to foster a mentoring relationship with Suppliers and adapt tactics based upon maturity and track record of the Supplier. Ensure delivery against savings targets at required quality levels.
• Monitor Supply Markets and Commodity Trending for competitive changes and prepare cost models for respective category.
• Standardize Contracts and Master Purchase Agreements for Category Purchases as directed by the business strategies and corporate goals.
• Support Cost Reduction Goals established by top management and Develop/Drive Actions to meet the short term and long-term cost reduction goals.
• Evaluate various Supplier Performance Metrics including related value elements, performance trends and risk analysis to ensure Category Strategy is working and corrective action is taken when needed.
• Ongoing Evaluation of the Supply Base in the areas of market research, product quality, competitive pricing, capability and capacity. Perform SWAT and Supplier Risk Analysis.
• Travel to various Supplier Locations worldwide to investigate new opportunities, improve manufacturing efficiencies, and/or resolve any supply chain or quality issues. Additional reasons for Travel could include... Review of internal customer spends & requirements, supplier site visits, development of new suppliers, on-going supplier management, etc.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Operations Management, or Business is highly preferred. Associate degree in combination with relevant experience in Purchasing, Materials or Engineering background with specialized knowledge on focused group of commodities can also be considered.
• 5+ years of relevant working experience. Must possess analytical/critical thinking skills.
• Experience working in an ERP environment (SAP a plus). MS Office aptitude. Systems skills with SAP, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Aribia is a preference.
• Knowledge of Supply Chain programs (Consignment, Kanban, JIT, VMI, Lean, CI, etc.) and ability to manage project execution of these programs.
• Role requires broad knowledge and good experience with Commodities (Mechanical-type Hardware {Vendor Managed Programs} is highly preferred). Experience in Category or Commodity Management with steel, castings and forgings in addition to strong negotiation skills, demonstration of supplier relationship management and leadership capabilities.
• Ability to work independently and being self-motivated are also components of this Role.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills (written and verbal) with a strong focus on customer service. Strong relational skills, ability to work with all departments, foster teamwork and a positive work environment.
• CPIM, CSCP or CPM Certification are a plus.
• This will be a hybrid role and could potentially allow remote work 3 days and in office work 2 days each week. This role will be based at our facilities in Longview, TX. or Milwaukee, WI.

Additional Information

Komatsu is an Equal Opportunity Workplace and an Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.