Category Manager jobs in Reading, PA

Job Summary:

The Indirect Procurement Category Manager is responsible for the development and maintenance of strategic initiatives within the following Indirect Procurement Categories: Packaging,(IBC’s, drums, pails, labels, etc.), MRO (spare parts, waste disposal, equipment, facilities maintenance, etc.), and Fuel & Energy (electricity, propane, natural gas, water, diesel, etc.).  

Specific responsibilities include development of category strategies, supplier negotiations, identification, implementation and documentation of cost saving initiatives, strategic sourcing and application of procurement tools and levers, demand review, management and process development, and overall management of critical North American supplier relationships. This is a cross-functional role that will interact with various other functions across the business in North America.

Job Description: 

• Design sourcing strategies that improve cost, lead times, working capital, payment terms, and transparency of spend in alignment with the Brenntag Strategic Procurement Process.
• Research, identify, select, develop, and manage supplier relationships to provide world-class service and transportation in coordination across multiple businesses.
• Establishes and maintains proactive communication with internal stakeholders to identify cost saving opportunities.
• Establishes and maintains proactive communication with relevant category managers from other regions to align category strategies and to ensure knowledge sharing.
• Researches and identifies capable vendors and initiates selection, qualification, and approval of new vendors in alignment with Brenntag Strategic Procurement Process.
• Evaluates vendor performance and resolves any supplier issues.
• Manages preparation and maintenance of paper and or electronic Request for Information, Request for Quotes, and
• Request for Proposals through delivery and project completion.
• Assist cross-functional teams in defining project scope.
• Develops, manages and monitors Master Service Agreements.
• Collects, analyzes, and assures quality and accuracy of the spend analysis where applicable.
• Establishes and maintains proactive communication with relevant category managers from other regions to align category strategies and to ensure knowledge sharing.
• Maintains files and communicates non-conformance issues internally and with vendors.
• Negotiates spot purchases and agreements.
• Educates others on procurement policies and procedures.
• Proactively resolves issues relating to risk, schedule, TCO and invoice verification and processing as required.
• Ensures compliance with all company policies and all regulatory agencies, including but not limited to: Brenntag Code of Business Conduct & Ethics, Antitrust compliance Policy, Confidentiality Agreement, Global Indirect Procurement Policy etc.
• Supports the vision and mission of the company and its procurement department.
• Point of contact in North America for issues related to service, commercial terms and contract disputes.
• Knowledge of Packaging, MRO and Fuel & Energy categories required.