[Hiring] Category Manager @Mueller Water Products

Role Description

The Category Manager will play a pivotal role as our subject matter expert for supply chains which include a variety of industrial and/or electronics components. The person in the role will lead the development and execution of sourcing strategies, and the introduction of supply chains for smart products and solutions throughout Mueller’s organization. The position navigates across supply categories and business units engaging and leading cross-functional teams to deliver the business needs. Also, the role is expected to provide strong functional leadership to Mueller purchase personnel driving excellence to that team. The Category Manager will be involved in multiple categories, based on strength and experiences of the applicant. Background in industrial manufacturing sourcing, and/or electronics is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Be a business partner for the assigned Category, and Mueller Operations capturing the business needs, and pursuing it as expected.
• Manage an annual turnover in spend, create and implement source strategies supported by a strong understanding of Mueller business.
• Manage price/cost according to the company’s objectives and market fluctuations.
• Develop and Implement Source Strategies. Understand the full business potential (best cost possible) and set up a plan to get there.
• Operate as a functional leader for the purchasing dept. within the assigned value stream.
• Supplier relationship management for strategic accounts. Develop and manage supplier contracts.
• Understand Mueller manufacturing capabilities to lead make or buy decisions and executions.
• Understand the business demand and identify suppliers that exercise the Mueller’s production planning, review supplier capacity, inventory and buy ahead.
• Report (as required) status and support project team meetings, value stream meetings, steering committee meetings and stakeholders.
• Play as subject matter expert for systems & technologies supply chains.
• Lead the supplier development process when appropriate managing risk, developing supplier capabilities & quality and leading corrective actions.
• Support Mueller’s supply chain risk management program, identifying risks and leading projects towards continuous risk reduction.
• Work closely with Engineering to influence technical design decisions to meet technical capabilities, cost, and business objectives.
• Ensure suppliers comply to Mueller’s requirements and policies.
• Remain knowledgeable about all aspects of the value stream supply chain which includes economic & supply chain trends, technologies, legislation, environmental aspects, global tariffs, etc.

Qualifications

• Relevant procurement/sourcing background with demonstrated knowledge on electronics and technologies.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team focused atmosphere.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Effective verbal and written communications skills.
• Ability to manage/lead through influence.
• Strong competitive negotiation skills.
• Ability to develop/create/manage RFP/RFQ process.
• Ability to advance plan, organize, and prioritize workload in order to meet project deadlines.
• Complete tasks within the requested timeline, with limited oversight.
• Global and diversity mindset. Ability to adapt to cultural or situational differences.
• Risk awareness and mitigation.
• Demonstrate relentless seek of improvement and value generation.
• Solid business acumen.
• Ability to learn quickly and manage sourcing activities in multiple purchasing groups as needed (technologies, manufacturing, services, foundry, fabrication, raw materials…).

Desired Qualifications

• BA or BS in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business Management, or relevant area.
• Min 6 years of relevant experience.
• Strong background in Manufacturing.
• Professional Certification in Purchasing, Sourcing, Procurement or Supply Chain.

Benefits

• Excellent salary and benefits package.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401k plan with 5% Company match.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits.
• Vacation.
• 100% paid parental leave.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Student debt retirement matching.
• Well-being program.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Company-provided life insurance.
• Supplemental insurance at group rates.
• And more.