Textiles Category Manager

Overview Are you someone who is passionate, motivated, and driven to make a difference? If so, MSA Safety is the perfect fit for your career. At MSA, SAFETY is who we are AND it is what we do. We are a purpose-driven company committed to deploying innovation and technology to deliver on our Mission to help protect people and assets all around the world. We continue to be relentless in our pursuit of solving our customers greatest problems so they can go home safe each and every day. Are you in? Read on for more details about this particular role. Responsibilities Category Management: Analyze forecasted shifts in supply markets, industry trends and supplier economic cycles. Create and drive (partnering with cross-functional stakeholders where applicable) long-term category strategies designed to fulfill enterprise-wide requirements and achieve maximum life-cycle value. Segment suppliers in accordance with defined strategy. Follow environmentally- and ethically-sound procurement practices of contracted goods and services which includes compliance with corporate and departmental policies and procedures as well as federal, state and local regulations. Cost Management: Manage cost through control, analysis, and communication of Purchased Price Variance (PPV) or other relevant financial controls. Conduct & communicate category-based spend analysis. Identify future cost savings pipeline & implement savings initiatives. Participate & drive results in VAVE workshops. Provide feedback relevant to budgeting process. Drive compliance of P2P process. Manage cash flow through negotiation of extended credit terms. Continually aim to contribute ideas for the improvement of savings, systems, or processes Supplier Management: Determine and develop appropriate sources of supply and maintain cooperative working relationships with suppliers. Stay current with trends in technologies, products, and services. Prepare RFPs/bid documents, analyze proposals based on pre-defined criteria and facilitate supplier award process. Conduct and communicate results of Supplier Business Reviews & develop corresponding action plans. Maintain and communicate MSA’s Preferred Supplier List. Resolve supplier conflicts escalated by the business. Ensure supplier social responsibility & risk mitigation. Plan and execute required supplier communications. Determine the need for and negotiate contracts. Complete any other tasks assigned by the direct supervisor. Contract Management: Ensure participation in contract creation, reviews, and renewals, developing strategy for alignment and consistency to drive cost synergies. Drive consistency and optimal utilization of competitive bidding process, negotiations, and terms and conditions requirements to achieve desired results. Utilize the contract management system (CMS) in collaboration with the Legal department as the standard repository. Qualifications Preferred Experience: Experience using SAP Experience using spend management solutions Advanced skills with Excel Membership in Applicable Professional Organizations Background in Engineering / an Engineering related field