Category Specialist- Indirects - Ltl Transportation

General information

All posting locations Chicago, Illinois, United States of America

Job Function 02 - Procurement

Date Published 26-May-2023

Ref # R-70523

Description & Requirements

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Key competency expectations for the role are the ability to deeply understand and utilize procurement processes- tools- and systems- execute & oversee lifecycle management process- be a proven expert in category planning- development & execution- as well as ability to achieve tangible results in competitive and non-competitive supplier negotiations both directly and as a coach to others.

• Applies advance level of negotiation techniques and tools in all situations; ability to apply competency across categories
• Ensure the strategic sourcing process is robustly applied to all sourcing projects
• Develop multi-year category vision and strategy based on the data- insights- and business requirements.
• Build strong business relationships to increase influence over total category spend
• Develop and manage supplier base for specific categories
• Manage mid to executive-level clients and supplier relationships on an ongoing basis to ensure customer satisfaction
• Manage Total Cost of Ownership at the category level through collaboration with Data Analytics- accountable for measuring and reporting value delivery
• Lead the supplier selection and RFx award process
• Support strategic sourcing projects for supplier selection/optimization to execute Category Management vision and strategies
• Enable continuous process improvement and cost reduction
• Manage prioritized portfolio of projects for the category in the near and long term
• Execute highly complex contracts in accordance with policies and processes; ability to apply competency across categories
• As part of Supplier Management- segments suppliers at category level
• Manage Supplier Relationships and conducts Supplier Business Reviews – High Level Escalation Point for Performance and Risk Issues (e.g. experience with National & Regional Transportation Industry leaders is a plus)
• Support major supplier issues and work with stakeholders to identify and drive resolution
• Support and deliver performance goals for categories representing a significant amount of spend
• Lead discussions with critical suppliers around long-term objectives and strategies- ongoing market trends- innovation and technology advances- and potential investment decisions
• Actively maintain strong understanding of category dynamics (current market- pricing- cost drivers- industry- and supplier variables) through trade groups- publications- etc. and communicates changes to business stakeholders
• Identify business needs at the sourcing and category project level in assigned areas
• Support Sourcing and Category Management for North American Transportation categories to Kraft Heinz
• Identify and evaluate potential value generating projects based on complexity- resources- risk- time to implement- and estimated financial impact

Requirements

• Strong negotiating skills; ability to multi-task- attention to detail- organized; judgment to handle confidential information and challenging business situations; ability to lead and influence others; project management- problem solving- leadership and team building skills.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• May require travel up to 3 or more domestic trips per year
• Must have experience in developing long-term business strategies. Specifically- establishing strategic direction based on insights into both external market indices- global supply chain and the organization's overall capabilities. Recognized as a quick learner and knowledgeable in respective field. Develops strategy that aligns function with organizational goals and generates results that will have a positive impact on the function/business unit. Must have experience in the sourcing life cycle process and have a strong grasp of the tools needed to complete the process.
• This position will be responsible for managing no full time employees- but will have the opportunity to support third-party administrator resources who perform similar tasks and activities.
• 3-5+ years of experience in Indirect Procurement- preferably Logistics and Transportation and/or industry experience
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required- data visualization- presentation and negotiation skills are required
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite- Familiarity with eProcurement Source-to-Pay tools desirable (e.g. Ariba- Jaggaer & Workday a plus)- Experience in Supplier Performance & Risk Management tools desirable

About Us

Kraft Heinz is a global food company with a delicious heritage. With iconic and emerging food and beverage brands around the world, we deliver the best taste, fun and quality to every meal table we touch. We’re on a mission to disrupt not only our own business, but the global food industry. A consumer obsession and unexpected partnerships fuel our progress as we drive innovation across every part of our company.

Around the world, our people are connected by a culture of ownership, agility and endless curiosity. We also believe in being good humans, who are working to improve our company, communities, and planet. We’re proud of where we’ve been – and even more thrilled about where we’re headed – as we nourish the world and lead the future of food.

Why Us

We grow our people to grow our business. We champion great people who bring ambition, curiosity, and high performance to the table as the guardians of our beloved and nostalgic brands. Good isn't good enough. We choose greatness every day by challenging the ordinary and making bold decisions. All while celebrating our wins - and our failures – as we work together to lead the future of food.

Challenging the status quo takes talent. We invest in your purpose and potential by developing skills and nurturing strengths that leave a legacy on our business and a lasting impact on your career. Because great people make great companies, and we’re growing something great here at Kraft Heinz.

Office Collaboration & Hybrid Work Environment

We believe our office environment fuels our collaboration, connection & community as an organization and allows our employees to grow toward greatness. We also believe providing a more flexible and agile model is essential in today’s workplace. A majority of our office-based employees will be able to work remotely for up to two days each week. Additionally, employees who are subject to this hybrid model will be eligible to work from anywhere for up to six weeks in a rolling 12-month period (in maximum two-week increments and according to benefits and tax guidelines). Some jobs may be required to be performed fully in office depending on the role’s responsibilities and requirements.