Associate Category Manager

The Associate Category Manager is responsible for managing direct raw materials used in manufacturing finished products, indirect products and services, and trading goods for resale. The Associate Category Manager assist in the development of contracts and manages supplier relationships to ensure JM maintains a competitive manufacturing cost position.

• Manage all suppliers for contract compliance and overall supplier performance
• Create Purchase Orders in SAP for various Indirect Material Groups
• Create Category Strategy for various indirect categories such as Temp Labor, Branding & Promo
• Assist with planning and leading Berkshire-wide related activities and meetings
• Act as the liaison with Supply Chain Sourcing and Category Managers and the JM Business Unit Product Managers by leading and supporting projects with multi-functional teams to qualify new suppliers, identify potential sources of supply for various materials and services, identify new processes to reduce costs
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather meaningful requirements to develop Request for Quotations for various materials and services
• Coordinate the contract development process with assigned suppliers in various Indirect Spend Categories
• Conduct supplier workshops to identify annual cost savings opportunities to achieve established cost reduction goals and to help JM maintain a competitive position
• Ensure uninterrupted and sustainable supply of indirect materials and services to JM facilities
• Build and execute sourcing projects in relevant software solutions, including reverse auctions for Direct and Indirect Material Groups

• Fundamental knowledge of OSHA and environmental regulations
• Must have ability to manage supplier relationships
• Fundamental knowledge of E-Sourcing
• Strong analytical skills
• Bachelor's degree
• Able to make a compelling case for basic technical recommendations to direct supervisor.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
• Ability to think strategically
• CPSM certification desirable
• Preferred knowledge of SAP
• Fundamental knowledge of financial analysis
• Minimum of 2 years of work experience in sourcing with a major company
• Must be able to perform other related duties as assigned
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Fundamental contract negotiation skills
• Working knowledge of commodity management
• Fundamental knowledge of contract development and contract law