Category Manager

The Opportunity

This position works out of our Alameda, CA location in the Diabetes Care division where we're focused on helping people with diabetes manage their health with life-changing products that provide accurate data to drive better-informed decisions. We’re revolutionizing the way people monitor their glucose levels with our new sensing technology.

Our Global Sourcing team located at Division HQs in Alameda, CA currently has an opportunity for a Category Manager. The position is responsible for directing and setting the procurement strategies for critical electronics components. In conjunction with supporting internal business areas and projects, identifies opportunities and takes swift action for cost reduction, quality and technology.

What You’ll Work On

• Implements sourcing strategies to support objectives in the area of indirect or direct commodities, providing the entity a competitive advantage in the areas of materials, supplies, and services.
• Locates, analyzes and develops a consolidated supplier base to meet current and future commodity needs.
• Directs the negotiation and management of contracts/agreements for assigned commodities with medium to high risk and medium to high complexity.
• Provides guidance and overall direction to the purchasing/category management team regarding contract management, agreements, policy development, art of negotiation and other supply chain activities in the spirit of providing mentoring and coaching to develop the teams knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Develops risk management strategies and recommends short and long terms strategies with defined risk/benefit strategies. Develops alternate sources to ensure a steady flow of goods, materials, and/or services.
• Maintains budget and performs analyses of costs related to labor rates, charges, time, and cost of materials.
• Monitors supplier capability and performance to ensure maintenance of deliver, quality and price commitments.
• Maintains and promotes sound relationships with extensive network of suppliers and business community. Connects other team members with potential suppliers.
• Leads projects to assure all procurement activities are performed as required.
• Creates and maintains mutually beneficial long-term partnerships with suppliers to foster feedback and continuous improvement. This includes driving continuous improvements with the supplier base.
• Develops cross-functional teams to understand division-wide needs and evaluate suppliers.
• Understands, tracks, and forecasts the key cost drivers and market factors for assigned commodities.
• Compiles market condition information regarding commodities and suppliers and suggests/implements business strategy changes.
• Maintains positive and cooperative communications and collaboration with all levels of employees, customers, contractors, and vendors.

Required Qualifications

• Associates' Degree
• Equivalent Combination of Education and Experience in lieu of a degree.
• 4 years experience
• Strong experience in negotiating terms in purchasing agreements. In depth experience in contract management.
• Ability to work in a highly matrixed and geographically diverse business environment.
• Ability to work within a team and as an individual contributor in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Ability to leverage and/or engage others to accomplish projects.
• Strong verbal and written communications with ability to effectively communicate at multiple levels in the organization.
• Multitasks, prioritizes and meets deadlines in timely manner.
• Strong organizational and follow-up skills, as well as attention to detail.
• Ability to travel approximately up to 20%, including internationally.