Sr. Category Manager - IT - Axalta Coating Systems

Job Description:

The Sr. Category Manager - IT, provides leadership, vision, direction, and structure to the procurement function in their category to drive effective, efficient, and value-add procurement strategy and management aligned with Axalta's strategic priorities and business needs.

As Sr Category Manager, you will be the lead for the Global IT, Procurement team, which manages approximately $150M+ in annual spend. The role will be located at our Global Headquarters in Glen Mills, PA and report to the VP of Indirect & Logistics Procurement

In this role you will:

• Lead a team of Sourcing Specialists & Category Managers responsible for developing and implementing strategic sourcing strategies for sub-categories, including hardware, software, cloud services, IT services etc.
• Lead by informing and supporting business planning, bringing forth innovative approaches to solve unmet needs, and reducing waste through improved procurement processes and vendor efficiencies.
• Develop and implement overarching policies, procedures, systems, structures, and frameworks for all procurement-related activities to deliver the best proactive procurement and contract management solutions.
• Lead complex strategic vendor relationships and contract negotiations. Drive cost-savings goals at the organization level.
• Establish collaborative stakeholder and strategic supplier relationships to maximize the organization's influence. Develop and influence key relationships with suppliers that deliver optimal value.
• Deliver overall category management and sourcing methodologies.
• Develop and implements a robust and repeatable spend database with a full understanding of external spend. Deliver an improved vendor risk assessment framework and mitigation strategies to key strategic vendors.
• Own procurement governance forums and scorecards for decision-making and performance monitoring.
• Build robust procurement capability and performance across the organization.
• Establish key performance indicators and qualitative and quantitative metrics to capture, report, and evaluate the benefit and performance of all procurement activity.
• Establish market intelligence, performance benchmarking information, and innovative approaches to market changes.
• Provide guidance and coaching to team members, fostering their growth and development within the organization.
• Manages change effectively, and champions continuous improvement.

Core Competencies Excellent negotiation skills complementing strong oral and written communication and presentation skills.

• Influences positively and constructively to initiate actions, gain clear understanding, and commitment across the regional enterprise.
• Gains credibility at all levels and functions within the region and among regional peers.
• Leads with integrity and empowerment. Instills a sense of accountability and bias for action.
• Champions and acts as an advocate for the highest standards of ethical and professional behavior.
• Drives innovative problem-solving and implements solutions through strong knowledge of full spectrum of procurement levers and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrates a focus on broader organization business results.
• Executes business results that balance risk management while creating sustainable solutions.
• Builds relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Inspires and guides others to action consistent with Company's Vision and Mission.
• Secure and leverage leadership commitment and support for integrating procurement solutions into core processes and decision-making.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of Procurement experience including 3 years Leadership experience.
• Must have deep understanding of the IT industry including knowledge of IT market trends, products, and technologies, with a focus on cost optimization, innovation, and value creation.
• Experience successfully negotiating and experience in contract negotiation, vendor management, and supplier relationship management.
• Experience leading projects, driving change, and mentoring team members.

Preferred

• Master's degree or professional certification a plus.
• Strong interpersonal skills, team player with the ability to effectively influence others to action.
• Unquestioned ethics and integrity including the ability to work on confidential matters.
• Able to identify critical pat