Global Category Manager - Koch Global Services

The Global Category Manager position is part of the KGS IT Procurement team, focusing on IT Hardware spend and Reseller/Distribution partners. This role will introduce a new capability to the team, involving the development of internal partnerships, influencing senior leadership within Koch companies, and implementing data-driven category strategies. Key responsibilities include creating a framework for demand consolidation, analyzing spend data, managing vendor evaluation, negotiations, and contracts to optimize IT hardware categories and supply chain networks. The individual in this role will collaborate with various teams and stakeholders to problem solve across Koch companies and act as a thought-leader for global procurement.

Our Team

The KGS IT Procurement team is a global capability supporting procure to pay and asset management functions with teams in US, Mexico, India, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. The team supports global procurement for IT hardware, software, SaaS and miscellaneous spend; we are a leveraged capability for all of Koch's operating companies (excluding Infor).

What You Will Do

• Develop and implement the IT hardware category strategies, aligned with Koch's IT procurement objectives
• Develop and implement IT Reseller/Distributor category strategies and procurement channels enabling supply chain best practices for regional procurement teams
• Develop strategies incorporating regional/global nuances that can be handed-off to global procurement teams.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, such as IT managers, project managers, and enterprise operations to understand their IT hardware needs and provide solutions that meet their specifications and expectations.
• Lead the vendor selection and contract negotiation process, leveraging IT hardware expertise and knowledge from key stakeholders.
• Work in a global, multi-enterprise environment prioritizing high-value, high-impact spend to accelerate value capture and returns to the operating companies.
• Strategies will have performance measures and incorporate external market benchmarks for success to ensure mutual benefits for suppliers and end users
• Establish and maintain market intelligence with IT hardware vendors and resellers; be aware of best-in-class quality, performance, and service delivery within the market.
• Collaborate with key business partners to evaluate IT hardware solutions, ensuring optimal utilization, maintenance, and lifecycle management.
• Analyze and report on the IT hardware category performance, identifying risks, issues, and opportunities for improvement.

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)

• Demonstrated experience in procurement, sourcing, category management, or other business functions in a large and complex organization.
• Experience in leading and managing vendor selection and contract negotiation, with excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, across different roles and functions.
• Experience in data analysis, interpretation, and benchmarking to provide valuable insights and recommendations.
• Ability to work independently and proactively, with a high degree of principled entrepreneurship and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

What Will Put You Ahead

• Knowledge of IT hardware products and services, such as servers, storage, network, devices, peripherals, and accessories.
• Experience with global supply chains and matrixed organizations
• Experience in IT, Operations, or other manufacturing environments which provide technical experience and subject matter expertise for category strategies and understanding of spend
• Past experience developing, stabilizing, and growing a new capability

At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.

Hiring Philosophy

All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .

Who We Are

As a Koch company, Koch Global Services (KGS) creates solutions spanning technology, human resources, finance, project management and anything else our businesses need. With locations in India, Mexico, Poland and the United States, our employees have the opportunity to make a global impact.

At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.

Our Benefits

Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.

Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.

Equal Opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information.

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