Category Manager 2

About the Role

In this role, you will partner with our brands & corporate functions across the globe, to continuously drive value across the Visual Merchandising, Furniture/Fixtures and Store Design Materials categories. You will establish, analyze, and refine the business’ procurement strategy ensuring alignment with business goals and influencing decisions. Focus will be on the day-to-day management of the category strategy and business partner relationships driving both financial and operational value while mitigating risk.

What You'll Do

• Develop and execute category strategies for visual merchandising fixtures, displays, signage and other store design elements.

• Manage supplier and business partner relationships and perform contract negotiations to optimize financial and operational benefits and mitigate risk.

• Support cross-functional teams in sourcing projects, ensuring alignment with business goals.

• Manage the category strategy based on market dynamics, supplier landscape, business needs within focus area.

• Support senior procurement staff in various strategic initiatives.

• Drive cost optimization, excellence in sourcing capabilities.

• Facilitate contract negotiations/RFx process and category reviews.

• Responsible for quality of services and advice in meeting business partner needs.

• Responsible for end results of team and shares responsibility over resources, budget, and adherence to policies.

Who You Are

• Procurement & Category Management:  Procurement background in Visual Merchandising Furniture/Fixtures and Store Design Materials highly preferred.

• Contract Management:  experience negotiating, redlining, and routing contracts for approval through a complex organization.  Collaborate in the contracting process facilitating meetings with business partners, Legal, Finance, suppliers, and Risk.  Ideally have knowledge of key legal and commercial contract terms and risks / opportunities associated with each.

• Reporting: track and report key performance metrics, including savings, supplier performance, and project status.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, Finance or Engineering

• 5-6 years of experience in Procurement, with 2-3 years specifically in retail procurement.

• Deep understanding of category strategy and management.

• Proven track record of delivering cost savings and process improvements

• Strong project management capabilities

• Excellent negotiation and contract management skills

• Experience with e-procurement systems (i.e. Coupa, Zip, e-auctions)

• Additional Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of best-in-class sustainability practices in the retail environment

• Experience with store renovations or new store openings and value engineering opportunities