Category Manager - Corporate Procurement

This position will manage assigned categories in the Diagnostics, Products, and Services (DPS) portfolio of Corporate Procurement.  Responsibilities include managing and negotiating multi-million dollar agreements with strategic suppliers in the diagnostic testing space.  The successful candidate will work closely with internal stakeholders to develop effective cost reduction strategies to capture savings and to ensure service and product quality requirements are achieved.

• The Category Manager's primary responsibility is to utilize the strategic sourcing best practices to capture real savings while making effective supply base decisions. 
• Develop and implement of strategic sourcing plans for categories assigned. 
• Perform category spend analytics across the Quest Diagnostics enterprise. 
• Achieve significant initial cost reductions and ongoing gross profit/earnings contribution, while maintaining/improving product quality and supplier service levels. 
• Work closely and inclusively with key stakeholders to develop effective cost reduction strategies and implementation plans. 
• Tracking forecasted vs actual savings and performance indicators for assigned Category and be responsible for communicating results/performance against these measures and any potential budgetary impact. 
• Influence franchise, operational, and other stakeholders as to their procurement requirements and assures those requirements are included in the category strategy. 
• Develop strategic roadmaps with these suppliers in support of company's future business needs.   
• Manage the Supplier Business Engagement Model based on supplier’s segmentation.  Assure active and open supplier communications, ensure suppliers capabilities are leveraged and supported for Quest Diagnostics strategic alignment. 
• Structure and influence make vs. buy vs. outsource decisions. 

The following sourcing project execution duties will be required: 

• Influence and establish project requirements for relevant categories working with internal stakeholder decision makers.  
• Define and execute detailed plans to establish new supplier relationships and nurture existing supplier relationships that will result in meaningful contractual arrangements to support category strategies and related sourcing projects.   
• Provide regular and consistent measurement reports to internal customers that bring visibility on category level compliance and savings. 
• Identify, qualify, rank and select appropriate suppliers in collaboration with stakeholders and others within the enterprise. 
• Develop negotiations strategies and drive negotiations to achieve stated goals and objectives.  
• Negotiate contracts with suppliers of assigned categories. The terms of contracts include pricing, cost savings/reduction plans, delivery terms, payment terms, risk mitigation plans, quality terms, product development plans, regulatory compliances, etc.  
• Analyze risks and benefits of sourcing decisions and can clearly present proposals with this risk analysis 
• Make sourcing recommendations and decisions based on financial analysis, cost structure of categories, supplier alignment with Quest Diagnostics goals and strategies, and supplier position in their industry and marketplace. 
• Lead cross-functional negotiating teams targeting key spend categories. 
• Define target groups and obtaining their buy-in for new projects that will assure Quest Diagnostics vision, goals and strategies are achieved. 

The following on-going supplier management duties will be required: 

• Manage supplier development/relationships to ensure best in class pricing and price structures, product and service quality, continuity of goods and services, and alignment with internal client and company goals and strategies.  
• Work with business area leadership to monitor contract compliance and business alignment. 
• Manage the Quest Diagnostics Supplier Business Engagement Model. Conducts regular supplier performance reviews and strategic cost management initiatives, in collaboration with internal client leadership participation. 
• Act as a first escalation point if problems with the suppliers occur. Coordinating resolution of Supplier Performance issues 
• Manage day to day relationships; Work with POC to solve conflicts in an open & candid way.

Required Work Experience:  

• Successful 5-year track record in a global procurement organization 
• Multiple years of experience with strategic cost management techniques, including cost analysis, cost modeling, inclusive of cost take out work, and risk analysis. 
• Contract management experience 
• Experience/Ability to work in a matrixed organization 

Preferred Work Experience:

• Healthcare Industry experience or knowledge preferred 
• 3-5 minimum years of experience in sourcing/supplier/category management preferred 
• Experience with global sourcing initiatives 
• Experience in managing multi-functional projects 

Knowledge:  

• Fully understands and has a deep knowledge of the global landscape of categories assigned in terms of supplier base, technologies, competitive environment, total available market value (TAM), market trends and cost impactors. 
• Knowledge of Supply management strategies and tools 
• Advanced MS-Office user knowledge 

Skills:  

• Strong analytical capabilities 
• Present and advocate the sourcing case to a variety of audiences with self-confidence 
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment 
• Ability to lead teams and build effective working relationships both internally and externally, and particularly in a highly matrixed environment 
• Strong influencing, change management, and negotiation skills 
• Strong presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills 
• Demonstrate Candor; ability to respectfully communicate to and challenge senior leadership 
• Able to demonstrate a pattern of successful problem-solving 
• Results Orientation 
• Self-starter and independent worker 
• Analytical and strategic thinking 
• Passion for setting and meeting aggressive goals 
• Openness for new initiatives, fast learner, proactive 
• Strong work ethics with unyielding integrity 
• Openness for new initiatives and a good listener 

EDUCATION
Bachelor’s Degree (required)
Master’s Degree (optional)

LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS
APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
Project Management (PMI) Certification