Strategic Sourcing Category Manager Direct Materials

Kidde-Fenwal - Ashland, MA

Full-time - Mid Level

Ashland, MA

Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods

About the position

The Strategic Sourcing Category Manager - Direct Materials at Kidde Fenwal, LLC is a pivotal role within the Procurement organization, focusing on optimizing category management for critical direct materials. This position is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies that align with business goals, managing supplier relationships, and driving procurement efficiencies to achieve cost savings and enhance supplier performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing for direct materials categories such as Chemicals & Detection Systems, Metals & Fabrication, and Electronics & Hardware.
• Develop and execute category-specific sourcing strategies that align with business goals, ensuring cost savings and procurement efficiency.
• Manage relationships with over 100 suppliers, ensuring optimal supplier performance and balanced portfolios.
• Oversee supplier performance management through regular reviews, KPIs, and audits.
• Execute supplier consolidation strategies to improve procurement efficiencies and foster strategic partnerships.
• Manage a total category spend of over $100M, delivering 2-3% annual savings across assigned categories.
• Continuously review and analyze procurement data to leverage cost-effective sourcing and total cost of ownership reductions.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including engineering, operations, and finance, to align procurement strategies with company goals.
• Lead contract negotiations with suppliers, focusing on optimizing contract terms, pricing, and service levels.
• Develop and implement Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) programs to support long-term supplier partnerships.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives that drive procurement process efficiencies and savings.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Business, or a related field is required.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in strategic sourcing and category management, preferably within manufacturing or industrial equipment sectors.
• Proven track record of delivering measurable cost savings and process improvements in direct materials procurement.
• Experience managing large, complex spend categories with success in supplier negotiations and contract management.
• Experience with ERP systems (JD Edwards preferred) and source-to-pay processes/systems.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills, with the ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams.
• Proficient in data analysis and using procurement software and tools such as Excel, PowerPoint, and category management dashboards.
• Demonstrated leadership ability with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on strategic sourcing and cost management.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree or professional certifications such as CPM or CSCP is preferred.
• Certifications like APICS CPIM, CPM, or similar supply chain certification are preferred.