Since 1965, Stoneridge has designed and manufactured advanced, award-winning technologies including driveline and transmission actuation systems, vision systems, emissions control systems, safety systems, and security and monitoring systems for vehicle OEMs in the commercial vehicle, automotive, off-highway and agricultural vehicle markets. We’re focused on the areas of greatest market need – both today and tomorrow. Our core products and technologies are aligned with industry megatrends including safety and security, vehicle intelligence, fuel efficiency and emissions. Join the Stoneridge Team as we continue to build upon our strong history and reputation for quality products to deliver innovative products and systems that address a need, exceed our customers’ expectations, and motivate our team.
JOB SUMMARY:
A position responsible for the global category strategy and supplier relationship management for the category suppliers with continues focus on supplier innovation to deliver a world class supplier base to Stoneridge Inc. The Global Category Manager – Electronics reports to the Director, Global Procurement – Electronics and works closely with the rest of Procurement organization, Operations, Program Management/Product Segment, Sales and Business Development leaders to support and sustain a profitable product portfolio that provides the company with competitive advantage in terms of cost, quality and performance. The Global Category Manager also supports the overall objectives for SRI Procurement globally.
The Global Category Manager is responsible for developing and driving the category strategy and takes full responsibility for the supplier base within the category, ensuring that the right suppliers are used throughout Stoneridge. This requires a balanced focus on flawless execution of the category strategy, systematic continuous improvement of existing business and aggressive development of the capabilities necessary for future supplier base solutions aligned with disruptive and emerging technologies in the automotive marketplace. It leads and drives innovation incorporating next generation technologies.
Overall commercial responsibility of the category spend, and relevant Key Performance Indicators connected to the area of responsibility (categories). Organize and establish the Global Category Teams including key stakeholders.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Creates a global vision for the Electronics Strategy and plans for implementation of category strategy.
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Be steps ahead of global category trends to assure that the company always has a differentiated and optimal supplier base solution.
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Maintain relationships with suppliers to position the company as the market leader in its chosen commodity strategies.
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Excel in Supplier innovation.
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Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to separate the competitiveness of developing existing and create/establish new commodity strategy.
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Establish short-and long-range strategies, plans and objectives which fit within the broader business plan and strategy of the procurement organization.
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Establish and maintain an effective system of communication throughout the category.
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Keep ahead of industry technology trends along with the company’s products and market position to assure optimal category strategies.
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Establishes and maintains an effective system of communication throughout the category strategy and the entire procurement organization.
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Works closely with project sourcing to support commercialized products are ready for launch while meeting all cost and quality standards.
QUALIFICATIONS:
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Desired minimum five (5) years in leading Categories, preferably plastics and resins, within the manufacturing industry, ideally automotive, OEM and handling 1st Tier supplier.
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Demonstrated experience in best-in-class category strategy practices including but not limited to; spend analysis, system and tools, category core team management, should be costing, true total acquisition cost modelling and value analysis/value engineering.
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Proven performance in achieving results to category strategy within procurement. Key Performance Indicators are, but not limited to; cost savings, supplier base consolidation, Supplier Innovation, commodity strategy deployment, cash flow (days payable) and total supplier base performance.
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Proven experience in establishing and lead global category strategy teams, global category strategies including leveraging low-cost solutions with high results.
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Demonstrated success establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external key stakeholders.
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Experience working in both direct and matrix management environments.
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Strong background with challenging negotiations in a complex international environment.
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Outstanding negotiation skills, as this individual will lead escalated commercial issues on behalf of Stoneridge Inc. and interface at the most senior levels within Stoneridge and the leadership at suppliers.
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Global experience and strong cross-cultural orientation is important to understand and respond to regional differences in execution styles.
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:
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Excellent communication skills to interface with suppliers at a senior level in order to discuss complex issues including procurement processes and other automotive industry demands
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Strong leadership skills in motivating, engaging, energizing and managing a complex category team located in multiple facilities geographically dispersed as well as influencing globally
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Ability to drive accountability and high levels of performance throughout the category and influence others
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Outstanding analytical skills, with strong planning and problem-solving abilities
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Strategic thinker with a keen sense of the importance of tactical execution
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Ability to work independently under general direction and work with the high degree of professional and ethical standards
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A proven track record of success in a collaborative and participative category management environment
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Excellent business sense / judgment and the ability to influence and facilitate activities globally
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Demonstrated success of establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external key stakeholders
REQUIRED EDUCATION:
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Master’s degree in Business or Engineering discipline is strongly preferred; Bachelor’s degree in Business discipline or Engineering is required.
Stoneridge is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by the applicable laws in the countries we operate. Stoneridge also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.