Manager, Category Management

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Develops and implements category strategies globally and regionally.
Drives formal supplier business reviews (SBR’s), focusing on quality, cost, performance, and strategic initiatives.
Delivers and manages Supplier Performance Improvement Plans, continuously managing capacity availability versus long-range demand forecasts.
Uses category strategies as the basis for supplier selection, cost reduction, margin improvement, and overall supply chain management.
Negotiates and manages the maintenance of agreements with suppliers that provide the structure for all business relationships between UCT and the supply base, such as General Supply Agreements (GSA), Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA), Joint Development Agreements (JDA), Blanket Purchase Orders (BPO), Safety and Inventory Stocking Agreements, etc.
Manages and fosters relationships with UCTs' supply base and drives resolution to conflicts.
Engages with the Product Life Cycle process to ensure alignment with the category strategies and all UCT’s site materials teams.
Directs new supplier introduction and/or disengagement requirements to/from the UCT supply base (assessments, financial viability, etc.).
In collaboration with other regional category managers, maintains a list of strategic suppliers eligible to be designated for the sourcing of production material.
Drives resolution to systemic supply chain issues affecting quality, cost, delivery or lead-time, which may include engagement with sub-tiers in the supply chain.
Develops and presents high-level cost reduction opportunities to all UCT sites for execution.
Conducts special projects as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Extremely high level of knowledge of OEM categories and a thorough understanding of category management strategies for OEM products
Proven track record of negotiating cost and lead time reduction with OEM suppliers, with the understanding that UCT generally does not control product demand, design, and many suppliers are directed through the end customer
Knowledge of supply chain management, procurement, materials management, manufacturing processes, business fundamentals/finance
Proven record of success in cost negotiation and contract implementation
Advanced project/program management skills and abilities are essential, including NPI program management and transition to production
Ability to create project plans, drive initiatives with cross-functional teams, and track performance to goals, identify gaps and recovery plans to address shortfalls
Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Ability to learn new technologies and manufacturing processes (aptitude/proficiency)
Ability to build and lead cross-functional teams
Strong matrix management abilities
Relationship-building abilities
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation skills, and strong negotiation skills.
Educational/Certification Requirement:

BS/BSE level degree in business, engineering, materials science, logistics, or related technical discipline required.
Experience Requirement:

Work Experience:

3-4 years directly related experience
Previous work experience in category management for OEM supply base, supplier contracting, project management, materials management, logistics, manufacturing, quality, and account management
Previous experience in a contract manufacturing environment is a plus
Certification by NAPM (National Association of Purchasing Management) and/or APICS (American Production and Inventory Control Society) is a plus