Senior Category Manager

Position: Senior Category Manager

The Senior Category Manager is responsible for leading expenditure analysis and strategic sourcing initiatives within a designated category. This role will focus on developing and executing sourcing strategies that enhance cost efficiency, product quality, and availability, aligned with the company's values. The role requires close collaboration with internal teams to deliver value-driven solutions and manage supplier relationships, leveraging performance metrics to drive continuous improvements and maintain high standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage a Network Electronics portfolio with an annual spend of approximately $100 million, including key components such as cards, chassis, optical modules, and associated service agreements.
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies that align with business goals, emphasizing cost efficiency, quality, and productivity.
• Partner with Network Planning & Engineering, Procurement, and other teams to synchronize supply chain efforts with project timelines.
• Conduct RFX events using platforms like Coupa, analyze bids, present sourcing recommendations, and facilitate contract negotiations and awards.
• Oversee contracts in collaboration with legal, business leaders, and suppliers to ensure optimal performance.
• Utilize performance metrics and stakeholder feedback to lead continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers.
• Identify and mitigate potential supply chain risks to ensure stability and efficiency.
• Implement new sourcing programs and regularly evaluate their impact on cost savings, supply stability, and supplier performance.

Required Skills & Competencies:

• Proficiency in spend management platforms such as Oracle, Coupa, or similar systems.
• Strong analytical skills with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels, including executives and technical experts.
• Strong financial acumen with the ability to evaluate the economic impact of supply chain activities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and meet project deadlines.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field; a Master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of seven years’ experience in supply chain sourcing or the network electronics/telecom industry.
• Experience working with vendor platforms such as Ciena, Arista, Juniper, Dell, or similar.
• Expertise in negotiating and managing various types of contracts, including maintenance agreements, master purchase agreements, and terms and conditions.
• Strong analytical skills with a proven ability to drive decisions through data analysis.
• Experience in building cross-functional relationships and influencing key stakeholders.
• Ability to identify underperformance and implement corrective strategies.
• Experience in developing and monitoring compliance strategies for key spend categories.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to devise innovative solutions to complex business challenges.