Global Category Manager

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Company Description

About Smiths Interconnect:

Smiths Interconnect, is a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance interconnect solutions. Our products are used in mission-critical applications across industries such as aerospace, defense, telecommunications, and industrial markets. At Smiths Interconnect, we are committed to innovation, quality, and providing cutting-edge solutions that connect the world's most demanding systems.

Smiths Interconnect is part of Smiths Group. For over 170 years, Smiths has been pioneering progress by engineering for a better future. We serve millions of people every year, to help create a safer, more efficient and productive, and better-connected world across four global markets: energy, security & defense, space & aerospace and general industrial. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Smiths employs c.16,000 colleagues in over 50 countries.

Job Description

• Develop and implement Procurement strategies that secure the best total value for the materials that Smiths Interconnect purchases worldwide
• Establish strategic direction and ongoing management of assigned categories for direct materials & indirect services that support the immediate and future needs of the business.
• Develop and maintain a qualified supply base, while understanding technology trends and market influences.
• Maintain overall business ownership of specific categories to include managing, facilitating, and monitoring communications with suppliers and Smiths Interconnect employees

Responsibilities:

• Develop, lead and communicate strategies for assigned categories. Gain approval of category strategies through regular meetings and communication with key stakeholders across the Smiths Interconnect business.
• Lead and/or guide all supplier selection activities to ensure these are in line with category strategies and support the needs of the business.
• Create a supplier reduction roadmap and ensure this is successfully implemented for assigned categories
• Utilize strategic Procurement tools and techniques to drive maximum value (eRFx, TCO, Should-Cost Modelling, etc)
• Develop and deploy cost reduction/profit improvement plans with suppliers that achieve/exceed the annual cost improvement target and which are reflected in the Smiths Interconnect P&L.
• Ensure that cost reduction tracking tools, including the Smiths Excellence System (SES) tools, are constantly maintained and updated to reflect the latest position. Report progress against your personal cost reduction target.
• Prepare Business Cases, including ROI models, and effectively present rational for cost savings opportunities, including results of commodity metrics to Senior Leadership
• Drive working capital improvement through extending supplier payment terms and supporting the Operation Procurement team with the implementation of VMI programs.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships through utilizing a consistent and robust Supplier Relationship Management process; delivering the required performance from our supply base.
• Implement robust supplier contracts to reduce risk and drive the required level of supplier performance from the assigned categories.
• Maintain current knowledge industry and market factors affecting assigned categories, to allow for effective discussion and negotiating with technical personnel within Smiths Interconnect and the supplier network.
• Lead and support Make vs Buy activities - acting as expert for assigned categories.
• Support execution of Group Indirect led initiatives to ensure maximum value for Smiths Interconnect

Qualifications

• Degree - ideally within Supply Chain, Business, Engineering or Economics
• Significant experience within Procurement and Supply Chain; ideally with experience of developing and implementing category strategies within a global organization.
• Highly skilled in Supplier Relationship Management - including negotiating and influencing
• Experienced in cost management practices, with a history of delivery against cost reduction targets.
• Strong personal drive and motivation; focused on delivering results through continuous improvement.
• Structured and organized in approach and comfortable managing multiple projects to deadlines
• Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS); American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) or equivalent experience.

Additional Information

Join us and we'll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You'll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You'll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.

Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation - including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career's website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation - including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career's website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)