Category Manager - Canton/Detroit, MI

Job ID:  479243

CRH's Americas Materials, a division of CRH, is the leading vertically integrated supplier of aggregates, cement, asphalt, ready mixed concrete and paving and construction services in North America. Our operations span North America with 24,100 employees at close to 1,300 locations in 44 US States and 6 Canadian provinces.

Position Overview

The Great Lakes Category Manager (CM) ensures the proper performance for the procurement and sourcing performance of the assigned categories across all Operating Companies in the Great Lakes Division (AMAT). The CM understands the procurement and sourcing processes; and the use and implementation of sourcing tools to benefit performance in the assigned categories. (For example: Capex processes, estimating processes, purchase order processes.) The CM collaborates with equipment managers, estimators, and buyers to add value to applicable processes: estimating, bidding, sourcing (of equipment /materials/services) for operations or projects.

The CM uses a deep understanding of stakeholder needs, pricing, demand forecasting, and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), to implement the best solution: choose the best suppliers, construct the best supply chain, and negotiate the best contracts terms possible. The CM creates a savings plan, implements saving projects, tracks the results, and informs leadership of progress.  The CM participates in all relevant commercial discussions with suppliers related to specific services and ensure supplier performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Understand and track “Business Requirements” (actual portfolio demand and business needs).
• Understand “Category Strategy” (cost drivers, cost mitigation, sources of supply, and market segments).
• Create and maintain a “Supplier Strategy” that ensures supply, develops existing suppliers, and identifies new supply opportunities.
• Create, maintain, and modify a “Sourcing Plan” that meets “Business Requirements” and maximizes benefits to CRH by collaborating with Operating Companies to combine “Category” and “Supplier Strategies”.
• Communicate the “Sourcing Strategy” (the combination of “Business Requirements” “Category Strategy” “Supplier Strategy, and the Sourcing Plan” to stakeholders and counterparts, resolve escalated issues.
• Execute strategy, track, and communicate results.

Some specific tasks related to this position include, but are not limited to the following:

• Select regional suppliers to meet “Business Requirements” per the strategy.
• Ensure compliance with procurement process, SOX and other statutory requirements.
• Address changes to markets and resolve issues by liaising with Global/Regional Category Managers.
• Manage supplier performance to agreed KPIs (internal and external) and proper reporting
• Develop and manage key relationships at CRH and with suppliers.
• Participate in cross-functional and cross-regional teams for assigned category.
• Understand business needs and align them with the right supplier to create the optimal solutions.
• Estimate potential savings based on negotiated rates, rebates, and forecasting business demand.
• Lead supplier negotiations to ensure cost, availability, innovation, and quality.
• Drive savings and improved efficiencies.
• Influence and facilitate the process of changing a supplier within the business.
• Create and coordinate advantageous commercial obligations for CRH with suppliers.

Qualifications

Desired Education and Experience

• Degree in Business or Technical field, a Bachelor’s Degree is preferred.
• Knowledge of the Transaction Procurement process from a professional setting.
• Strategic Sourcing Experience.
• Data Mining and Analysis.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

• Ability to communicate effectively and concisely
• Ability to influence without authority
• Ability to work autonomously
• Negotiation & contracting skills
• Cost analysis skills
• Financial and Business acumen
• Decision making/strategic thinking
• Collaborating in cross a regional/functional team
• Source to pay process, supplier quality, product lifecycle management
• Excellent market information analysis skills and supply market knowledge

Desired Competencies

• Well-rounded and experienced professional with sound business acumen
• Data and people driven leader and decision maker
• Ability to lead and drive the execution of strategic plans across the division
• Dedicated and engaged partner who strongly engages with both the business and the Global Procurement organization to enhance collaboration and obtaining the regional procurement objectives
• Willing to travel internationally or cooperate in international projects

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Able to communicate with others by telephone and in person
• Able to utilize a computer for word processing, email communication, and prepare documents and presentations.
• May require sitting for extended periods of time.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 

• Usually, normal office working conditions. 
• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
• The position will require heavy travel – at times exceeding 50%.
• The position may require work outside of normal business hours.

The statements included in this job description are not intended to be all-inclusive.  They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job.  Other duties may be assigned as required.  Requirements for this job are subject to modification by the Company and its designees, and reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

What CRH Offers You

• Highly competitive base pay
• Comprehensive medical, dental and disability benefits programs
• Group retirement savings program
• Health and wellness programs
• A culture that values opportunity for growth, development, and internal promotion

About CRH

CRH has a long and proud heritage. We are a collection of hundreds of family businesses, regional companies and large enterprises that together form the CRH family. CRH operates in a decentralized, diversified structure that allows you to work in a small company environment while having the career opportunities of large international organization.

If you’re up for a rewarding challenge, we invite you to take the first step and apply today! Once you click apply now, you will be brought to our official employment application. Please complete your online profile and it will be sent to the hiring manager. Our system allows you to view and track your status 24 hours a day. Thank you for your interest!

The Shelly Company, a CRH Company, is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.

EOE/Vet/Disability--If you want to know more, please click on this link.