Role: Category Manager

Reports To: Director Regional Sourcing

SUMMARY: We are seeking a Category Manager to join one of the leading Telecommunications organization's Sourcing and Supplier Management team. The Supply Chain team strategically sources quality materials and services at the lowest total cost while enabling effective and efficient purchasing solutions and enhancing supplier partnerships. Day to day you will lead the sourcing function for a specific area of spend or business group. As a Category Manager you will partner cross-functionally to achieve best-in class product quality.

Duties:

• Plan, direct and implement complex business strategies through the establishment of short/long-range objectives, change management, performance goals, and metrics for each spend category.

  •Design and develop organizational sourcing strategies, direct tactical and innovative sourcing programs, adapt to changing market conditions, support new business opportunities, and designs cost reduction strategies.

  • Assure proper analysis and application of internal and external industry specific research information to ensure commodity/category strategy is current, risks are identified, and insights are leveraged to identify opportunities that drive value.

  • Identify and manage various operational risks to minimize negative impacts while encouraging opportunity and innovation.

  • Advise key stakeholders on supply chain including detailed knowledge of the supply base and best practice sourcing strategies and negotiation tactics.

  • Lead team to development strategic supplier partnerships that enhance total value.

Requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 4 Years Bachelor’s degree. Bachelor’s degree required; concentration in Engineering, Business, or Supply Management preferred.

  EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Professional certifications are highly preferred (CPM, CPSM or CPIM).

  • Approximately 5% travel may be required in support of the position’s responsibilities.

  • Strong organization, planning, and project management skills; ability to prioritize tasks for self and team to meet requirements and deadlines.

  • Ability to work with different functional groups and levels of employees to effectively and professionally achieve results.

  • Strong leadership skills; ability to drive and motivate team to achieve results.

Requirements:

• Preference for a candidate that is familiar with a global organization, working with diverse African Markets.

• Ability to apply flexibility with regards to time zones

• Candidate should be operating in a strategic role, implementing effective vendor sourcing strategies and costing strategies.

• Candidate should have experience in leading a team

• Contract negotiation experience required.