Category Management Specialist

The main responsibility of the Category Management Specialist (CMS) is to provide support to the category leader by delivering on category objectives.
CMS will report to the category lead and assist with various category projects and initiatives..
This position will occasionally be required to supervise junior team members indirectly and serve as a single point of contact for various supplier matters to the business and procurement colleagues..
Key Roles and Responsibilities.
Participate in establishing the category strategies and support the category lead in delivering on the category strategies and plans.
This will include various sub-categories under the main category.
E.g.
For Machinery it would include Engines, TCs, Aux categories, BWTS, Scrubbers etc..
Derive insights from historical spend data through internal purchasing and financial systems as well as assist the category lead in maintaining relevant vessel equipment data for forecasting purposes.
Analysis and interpretation of spend and supply data to measure performance, drive optimization, and continuous improvement on a global level.
Assist category lead in critical negotiations with key suppliers and execute agreed sourcing and negotiation projects.
Define vendor selection criteria in alignment with technical, and independently lead negotiations on projects with a large impact..
To assist in performing supplier market analysis and organizing market intelligence for spend within Fleets operations and benchmarking the comparisons.
To assist in developing effective bidding, negotiation, and pricing strategies to provide the business with the best value in the marketplace for the dollars spent in a manner that meets the budgets, policies, ethical standards and audit requirements of the Group..
To maintain and contribute to procurement policies and guidelines and ensure compliance at all times.
Develop a supplier management program with key category suppliers including metrics, performance goals and improvement initiatives.
Collaborate and cooperate with cross-functional category teams with the aim of driving cost reduction, improve quality and delivery performance and other applicable key performance areas.
Assist in indirect team management by occasionally coaching and supervising them, while ensuring team issues are resolved amicably.
Leading and participating in team initiatives that promote a healthy work environment.
The Category Management Specialist will report to the Category Lead and closely work with various cross-functional teams as well develop relationships with key stakeholders.
The position also involves representing the Fleet procurement at various occasions such supplier meetings, international exhibits etc..
Job Experience, Functional Knowledge and Qualifications.
8+ years of work experience with at least 5yrs of procurement experience including negotiations and supplier relationships.
Good working knowledge of category management disciplines and processes.
Exposure to the marine industry or other heavy industry will be considered an advantage.
A self-driven team player, who understands the importance of stakeholder management, can build rapport at all levels even in challenging situations and can encourage and influence others without authority.
Have an entrepreneurial mindset with strong analytical and presentation skills.
Can handle risks and uncertainties and be flexible in adapting when priorities change.
Must feel comfortable in challenging the status quo and are motivated to lead change.
Has a strong commercial mindset with a natural focus on achieving the most cost-effective solutions for the business.
Strong interpersonal skills, capable of developing and influencing internal and external relationships and holds command over spoken and written English.
Ability to understand and adapt technical requirements into procurement processes and related streamlining.