Global Category Manager

Your JobThe Global Category Manager position is part of the KGS IT Procurement team, focusing on IT Hardware spend and Reseller/Distribution partners. This role will introduce a new capability to the team, involving the development of internal partnerships, influencing senior leadership within Koch companies, and implementing data-driven category strategies. Key responsibilities include creating a framework for demand consolidation, analyzing spend data, managing vendor evaluation, negotiations, and contracts to optimize IT hardware categories and supply chain networks. The individual in this role will collaborate with various teams and stakeholders to problem solve across Koch companies and act as a thought-leader for global procurement.Our TeamThe KGS IT Procurement team is a global capability supporting procure to pay and asset management functions with teams in US, Mexico, India, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. The team supports global procurement for IT hardware, software, SaaS and miscellaneous spend; we are a leveraged capability for all of Koch's operating companies (excluding Infor).What You Will DoDevelop and implement the IT hardware category strategies, aligned with Koch's IT procurement objectives.Develop and implement IT Reseller/Distributor category strategies and procurement channels enabling supply chain best practices for regional procurement teams.Develop strategies incorporating regional/global nuances that can be handed-off to global procurement teams.Collaborate with internal stakeholders, such as IT managers, project managers, and enterprise operations to understand their IT hardware needs and provide solutions that meet their specifications and expectations.Lead the vendor selection and contract negotiation process, leveraging IT hardware expertise and knowledge from key stakeholders.Work in a global, multi-enterprise environment prioritizing high-value, high-impact spend to accelerate value capture and returns to the operating companies.Strategies will have performance measures and incorporate external market benchmarks for success to ensure mutual benefits for suppliers and end users.Establish and maintain market intelligence with IT hardware vendors and resellers; be aware of best-in-class quality, performance, and service delivery within the market.Collaborate with key business partners to evaluate IT hardware solutions, ensuring optimal utilization, maintenance, and lifecycle management.Analyze and report on the IT hardware category performance, identifying risks, issues, and opportunities for improvement.Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)Demonstrated experience in procurement, sourcing, category management, or other business functions in a large and complex organization.Experience in leading and managing vendor selection and contract negotiation, with excellent negotiation and communication skills.Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, across different roles and functions.Experience in data analysis, interpretation, and benchmarking to provide valuable insights and recommendations.Ability to work independently and proactively, with a high degree of principled entrepreneurship and problem-solving skills.Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.What Will Put You AheadKnowledge of IT hardware products and services, such as servers, storage, network, devices, peripherals, and accessories.Experience with global supply chains and matrixed organizations.Experience in IT, Operations, or other manufacturing environments which provide technical experience and subject matter expertise for category strategies and understanding of spend.Past experience developing, stabilizing, and growing a new capability.

#J-18808-Ljbffr