Mgr, Category Procurement, Region Americas

The Regional Category Manager defines the strategy for all sub-categories within the defined category on a Regional level and manages key supplier relationships (SRM). He/she drives and supports strategic sourcing initiatives, defines, and controls the Regional category end-to-end Procurement cycle, and manages and optimizes supplier performance and contracts for all Regionally managed sub-categories within the defined category, takes interaction with stakeholders as well as senior management and budget owners whilst also ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction. Tasks & Responsibilities: Category Strategy: * Develop and implement category strategies for all Regional sub-categories in alignment with organizational targets, stakeholders and senior management, considering market trends, cost drivers, efficiency, supplier capabilities, and risk mitigation. Approve deviations from category strategy. Supplier Relationship Management: * Build and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers, including contract negotiation, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement initiatives. Drive supplier innovation and value creation. Strategic Sourcing: * Conduct and support strategic sourcing initiatives, including supplier identification, competitive bidding, fact-based negotiations, contract award, and full implementation of buying channel strategy. Drive cost reduction, quality improvement, and efficiency gains. Stakeholder Collaboration: * Collaborate with internal stakeholders and senior management, such as Operations, Finance, Legal and Procurement (Procurement Heads, BPO Steering Manager, Procurement Excellence), to ensure alignment of procurement strategies with business needs. Understand their requirements and provide procurement insights and recommendations. Establish and enhance Regionally, holistic, efficient and lean order processes with stakeholders, such as call-offs and catalogues, to drive operational effectiveness, and improve overall procurement performance. Manage and resolve escalations on various levels. Demand Planning: * Propel and conduct demand planning activities together with the business to estimate and forecast future demand for goods and services, leveraging historical data, market trends, and external factors to ensure accurate predictions. Risk Management: * Identify and assess risks related to the sub-categories, such as supply chain disruptions, market volatility, or regulatory changes. Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to ensure continuity of supply. Performance Monitoring and Reporting: * Track and evaluate supplier performance against key performance indicators (KPIs) and service level agreements (SLAs). Provide regular reports and insights to management, highlighting achievements, opportunities, and potential risks, taking various tools and data sources into consideration. Continuous Improvement: * Identify and implement opportunities for process improvements, cost savings, and efficiency gains within the sub-categories. Stay updated on industry best practices and emerging trends in procurement. Compliance: * Ensure compliance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements, such as ethical sourcing practices, sustainability initiatives, and international trade regulations. ESG: * Drive category and suppliers in line with the ESG ambitions of the Company. Develop and establish pro-actively suppliers and solutions that support the company targets with regards to the various dimensions of ESG (Planet, People, Partners).

Details/Specification/Explanation of the role specific skills: * University degree in business, supply chain management, or a related field. * Proven experience (5+ years) in category management, strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management. * Strong knowledge of procurement processes, best practices, and market trends. * Demonstrated experience in developing and executing Regional category strategies. * Excellent negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management skills. * Extensive expertise in the required category, demonstrating in-depth knowledge and understanding of its dynamics, market trends, and supplier landscape. * Experienced in utilizing procurement tools such as SAP Ariba, proficient in data analysis methods including Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and a strong willingness to embrace new technologies. * Analytical mindset with the ability to utilize data and insights for decision-making and continuous improvement. * Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at various levels. Capability to manage and resolve escalations. * Fluent in English with excellent verbal and written communication skills. We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

At DB Schenker, you are part of a global logistics network that connects the world. A network that allows you to shape your career by encouraging you to contribute and truly make a difference. With more than 76,000 colleagues worldwide, we welcome diversity and thrive on individual backgrounds, perspectives and skills. Together as one team, we are Here to move.