Category Manager

Scope and Authority

The Category Manager has the mandate and the responsibility for managing and sourcing a defined set of sub-categories with the aim to achieve optimum conditions (regarding integral cost & benefit) for JBT Marel. This covers category strategy definition and implementation of the related strategic and tactical sourcing activities through a cross-functional and global (virtual) team, with emphasis on maximizing the procurement contribution upstream the value chain (in close cooperation with the innovation internal partners/peers) while continuously improving supply base performance and reducing complexity (e.g. standardization, supply base optimization, etc.).

Main Tasks

• Global responsibility for a defined set of sub-categories (material group key or bundle of material group keys)
• Leading a global, cross-functional (virtual) team in charge of the Category Strategy development, alignment with relevant internal stakeholders and its subsequent implementation to deliver the category specific targets
• Providing continuous market intelligence, analyzing competition practice and movement, identifying alternative vendors, new developments (technology, markets…) and innovative solutions. Defining cost models and predicting price development as basis for actively promoting improvement measures to capture integral cost reduction opportunities for the defined sub-categories
• Shared responsibility of identifying and leveraging optimization levers in regards to product specifications and future demands (demand Shaping) in close cooperation with the identified partners in innovation and product management/sales (as ref. to the Triangle)
• Responsible for key vendors (int/ext) selection and integration in demand/specification management and design process. Define in alignment with innovation the New Design Supplier List and ensure a structured Supplier Relationship Management (true-SRM)
• Responsible for performing and coordinating strategic sourcing initiatives within the defined area of responsibility, performing tenders, conducting negotiations and concluding global frame contracts with main vendors to deliver on agreed TCO targets
• Accountable for global/regional vendor performance in the defined sub-categories and to define corrective measures to ensure commodity related vendor performance targets are met. (Quality, Availability, Price and Innovation). On the escalation path for 2nd level claim management with key vendors (issues with logistics, quality, quantities, price…)
• Shared responsibility of ensuring alignment with local procurement operations (incl. outsourcing partners) to ensure applicability of contracts
• Take part in performing regular risk management analysis and define and implement relevant mitigation measures in alignment with the cross-functional stakeholders (Legal, Finance, Treasury, CSR and Quality)

Skills and Abilities

• Leadership skills, ability to decide and initiate action, leading and supervising a group
• Team Player, ability to work with people and support team members
• Communication skills, able to communicate with internal and external stakeholders on all levels, persistent and influential, good presenting skills
• Analytical, ability to gather, interpret and integrate information to formulate a vision and create a strategic approach
• Organized and detailed, able to follow instructions
• Ability to work under pressure, setbacks and open to organizational change
• Driven to achieve personal and organizational goals

Education, Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field with several years of professional experience
• Strong English skills, both written and verbal
• Several years’ experience of working in strategic procurement with cross-functional experience through project work in a related functional area
• Experience of engineering in similar technical field
• Experience with and comfort working in multi-cultural, multi-discipline organization is an advantage

Commitment to Global Safety

As a JBT Marel employee you are expected to respect internal rules and actively contribute to the delivery of the corporate Safety policy and guidance to ensure JBT Marel is a safe place to work.

At JBT Marel, what we do matters, we know that the contribution of our employees leads to the success of our business.

Our purpose is to transform the future of food; this guides our vision of being the global leader in food and beverage technology, by harnessing the full power of JBT Marel to partner with our customers and pioneer sustainable innovation.

Our values show who we are at our best. As we Create with Collaboration, Serve with Integrity, Grow with Excellence, and Advance with Innovation.