Category Manager (Paint)

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Lozier Corporation is an industry leader in providing store fixtures to major retailers across the U.S. and around the world. Headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, Lozier began manufacturing fixtures in 1956, and originated the basics of today’s shelving systems. Today, Lozier has over 4 million square feet of manufacturing and distribution space across facilities located in five states. We are committed to quality and service, building our business around integrity and respect, and investing in our people and communities.

We continue to invest in technology and people to ensure we remain competitive in the industry. That means opportunities for you to grow and develop as an employee and individual. Whether you have a clear idea of where you see yourself in your career or not, Lozier has a diverse range of departments with their own challenges and opportunities for growth to explore. You will find a welcoming and team-oriented environment where employees strive to not only help the company succeed but also help each other succeed, too.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Category Manager (Paint) is in charge of sourcing and securing required materials and hardware, to support the best-in-class availability of manufacturing plants. This strategic role establishes clear and formal long-term strategies for the sourcing of raw materials in accordance to goals, objectives, and compliance with organizational purchasing policies. The Category Manager (Paint) is responsible for aligning and creating buy-in from internal stakeholders and customers on various assigned materials, strategies, and initiatives.

WHY JOIN OUR TEAM?

• Monday thru Friday hybrid schedule available after training.
• Office location for this employee can be located at any Lozier site including Omaha NE, Joplin MO, Middlebury IN, Scottsboro AL, or McClure PA.
• Competitive benefits package (Eligible for medical and dental benefits on the first day of employment).
• Onsite health clinic available.
• Casual dress.
• Company bonus potential.
• 401(k) with company match.
• PTO plus 10 paid holidays.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Educational Assistance Program available.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Champion Lozier’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values by demonstrating the behaviors that contribute to Lozier’s success.
• Strategically manage spend to promote complexity reduction, simplification, and cost reductions.
• Put in place risk mitigation strategies to qualify alternate suppliers.
• Continuously challenge suppliers and obtain competitive prices on all raw materials.
• Develop deep understanding of markets for categories managed, including key players, appropriate indices, and trends.
• Lead pricing negotiation and use creative ways to drive down costs through the establishment of long-term agreements.
• Confer with prospective suppliers to determine supplier capabilities, negotiate prices and delivery terms.
• Identify, lead, and implement Value Added/Value Engineering (VAVE) and vendor innovation partnership projects with suppliers to right size specifications of raw materials or components purchased in order to increase end customer value and/or reduce costs.
• Work with cross functional teams to establish cost savings opportunities, business continuity planning, risk mitigation, and new product development initiatives.
• Develop and negotiate commercial agreements in line with strategic initiatives, including strong considerations for safety, environmental, and innovation.
• Implement supplier agreements and contracts by working with cross functional stakeholders and suppliers to reach agreement on contract terms and conditions.
• Ensure delivery terms are properly established and ensure contracts are maintained in a central repository, renewed, and executed in a timely fashion.
• Develop processes to streamline the capital procurement process and work with internal stakeholders to develop request for quote (RFQ).
• Maximize buying efficiencies and reduce supply disruptions through strategic supplier sourcing.
• Review and analyze supplier base to identify cost-out opportunities.
• Ensure high level of cross-functional communication throughout the procurement process and improve the reliability and deployment of capital equipment.
• Monitor industry trends and evolving technology to proactively identify supply base issues to minimize risk, protect continuity of supply, and utilize emerging opportunities.
• Evaluate supplier core competencies and competitive positioning using industry cost models.
• Manage supplier scorecards to ensure quality, delivery, and cost metrics to develop and engage for improvement.
• Demonstrate regular attendance and timeliness in reporting to work, meetings, and completing assignments.
• Ability to work and interact well with others.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor degree in supply chain management or a related field is preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 7 years of experience in procurement, supply chain, business management, or another related role, if degreed. Minimum of 8 years of experience in a procurement, supply chain, business management, or another related role, if non-degreed. Experience working in a manufacturing environment and a matrixed corporate structure is preferred.

Required Skills:

• Previous experience with contract development, review, and negotiations.
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment and a matrixed corporate structure preferred.
• Demonstrated success in year-over-year cost reductions with knowledge of supplier processes and cost drivers.
• Strong analytical, financial, and business acumen to include cost modeling.
• Basic knowledge and understanding of engineering drawings.
• Ability to build business case solutions to conquer operational problems.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage strategic supplier relationships.
• Expertise in supplier processes and cost drivers.
• Advance communication skills written and verbal.
• Ability to manage change and handle ambiguity.
• Ability to manage projects and establish clear goals and accountabilities.

SPECIAL DEMANDS

• Ability to travel 20% of time.