Purchasing Category Manager

Progress Rail Services Corporation

$90K — $120K *
Transportation
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field preferred; Business or Supply Chain Management acceptable with strong engineering background.
  • Minimum of ten years in engineering, purchasing, or strategic sourcing with proven project management and cost savings.
  • Strong knowledge of legal terminology related to supplier agreements and contracts.
  • Advanced proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel.
  • Excellent presentation and communication skills. Travel as required.

Responsibilities

  • Drive strategic sourcing management goals and implement actionable steps for success.
  • Engage regularly with engineering and finance teams on strategic initiatives.
  • Negotiate supplier contracts to ensure optimal cost, quality, and delivery.
  • Evaluate suppliers' core competencies and market positioning using cost models.
  • Develop and implement supplier agreements that benefit the company through collaboration with stakeholders.
  • Monitor industry trends and anticipate supplier shifts to protect supply continuity.
  • Manage and coach staff to support their professional growth and development.

Benefits

  • Competitive Salary
  • 401(k) plan with immediate vesting and a 6% company match
  • Comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Paid Vacation and Paid Holidays
  • Education Assistance Program
  • Employee Recognition Programs
Full Job Description
Job Purpose

Strategic Sourcing Manager will assist the Director of Strategic Sourcing in setting global strategy for PRL. They will direct the activities in their category ensuring alignment with global strategy, manage suppliers and relations, create process improvements, identify cost saving opportunities, creatively negotiate, generate contracts, and ensure the strategic development and effective implementation of Global Supply Chain smart goals. They will develop and maintain an environment that promotes diversity, integrity, and productivity.

Education / Training
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering preferred or a bachelor's degree in Business or Supply Chain Management with strong Engineering background.

Key Job Elements
• Take responsibility for the strategic sourcing management goals of the company and implement action items to ensure that those goals are achieved;
• Strong and regular interface with engineering and finance regarding strategic initiatives;
• Responsible for negotiations for best possible cost, quality, delivery, and commercial alignment by developing "win-win" strategies that achieve sustainable relationships with suppliers;
• Evaluate supplier core competencies and competitive positioning using industry cost models;
• Implement supplier agreements / contracts when beneficial by working with cross-functional stakeholders and suppliers to reach agreement on contract terms and conditions;
• Research and anticipate shifts in the negotiating power of suppliers;
• Analyze industry trends and evolving technology to proactively identify supply base issues to minimize risk, protect continuity of supply, and utilize emerging opportunities;
• Maintain and develop supplier relationships (trade shows, supplier meetings, conferences, etc.);
• Serve as a change agent for business initiatives;
• Develop and implement sourcing and supplier selection strategy domestically and internationally;
• Manage and mentor staff encouraging professional growth and development; Oversee staffing, recruiting, training, coaching of direct reports including performance reviews.

Qualifications and Experience

Required
• At least ten (10) years engineering/purchasing/strategic sourcing experience with a track record for strategic project management and cost savings;
• Ability to direct for the management of projects and establish clear goals and accountabilities to ensure successful delivery (on time, within budget, meeting agreed upon success criteria);
• Knowledge of the legal terminology and language related to supplier and/or vendor agreements and contracts;
• Advanced systems skills and working knowledge of MS Office, with advance Excel knowledge;
• Must have excellent presentation and communication skills;
• Ability to travel as required;
• Must participate and/or collaborate with Professional Associations in Purchasing/Material Management.

Preferred:
• Experience with managing a diverse supply base; rail industry is a plus

Essential and Physical Activities Functions
• Strength - Position typically involves office managerial work as well as oversight in an industrial environment. Frequently standing, sitting, and walking. Occasional light to medium-level lifting (up to 30 pounds).
• Motion - Position regularly requires standard motions associated with an office environment as well as standard motions associated with leading and demonstrating in an industrial environment.
• Vision/Hearing Requirements - Constant verbal communications, including both talking and hearing.
demonstrating in an industrial environment.
• Work Environment - Position will occasionally require the use of Personal Protective Equipment. Position may involve work in a non-temperature-controlled environment. Position is in an industrial engineering test facility.

Benefits

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance, and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Progress Rail.**
  • Competitive Salary
  • 401(k) plan with up to 6% company match (no waiting period with immediate vesting)
  • Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability Insurance
  • Supplemental Accident, Critical Care, and Hospital Insurance available along with an HDHP and HSA with seed money
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time-Off (PTO)
  • Employee Assistance Plan
  • Education Assistance Program
  • Employee Recognition Programs
  • Site specific Production and Incentive Plans
  • Site specific Step and Skill Level Wage Adjustment Plans
  • Site Specific Relocation and Sign-on Bonus Programs

*Benefits eligibility varies by job position, full-time/part-time and regular/temporary status. The provisions of the plan documents control such benefits.

**Subject to position, eligibility, and plan guidelines.

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