Lead Global Category Manager

Job Summary

This position is responsible for developing and implementing category strategies that support Harley-Davidson business objectives. This position is responsible for negotiation, contract management, and change management while measuring quality, cost, and delivery performance of all suppliers. This position also supports the broader Sourcing & Supplier Management organization by assessing and identifying the full scope of business across the Parts & Accessories Organization for multiple categories.

Job Responsibilities

• Works independently, requiring guidance only in the most complex situations.
• Leads others to solve complex problems in Supply Management using analytical thought, exercising judgment, and identifying innovative solutions.
• Coaches, mentors, and trains less tenured and/or less experienced colleagues.
• Communicates difficult concepts in Supply Management and negotiates with others to effectively influence as appropriate.
• Supports development of and deployment of strategic initiatives to facilitate cross-business synergies across a rationalized set of global and regional preferred supplier partners.
• Negotiates and manages key strategic supplier contracts and relationships, including managing and executing master supply agreements.
• Review, approve, monitor, and report compliance to category agreements and strategies based upon Harley-Davidson SM policies
• Present new planning tools, methods, technical analysis, standards, and procurement opportunities with senior management that are aligned with SM/Harley-Davidson strategic plans and cost reduction initiatives.
• Plan, prepare, and execute the annual value proposition for owned spend, and support execution with cross-functional business teams.
• Lead Supplier Business Reviews with assigned suppliers.
• Identify potential financial / operational threats to the business and develop / deploy proactive supplier risk mitigation strategies to ensure supply continuity.
• Works collaboratively across different functions including Developmental Purchasing, Indirect Procurement, Supply Chain Operations, Logistics, Engineering, Manufacturing, Marketing, etc.…
• Communicates difficult or sensitive information and builds relationships with Suppliers, Product Development and Manufacturing.

Education Requirements

Education Specifications

Experience Requirements

Required

• Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience in category management, procurement, supply chain, and/or operations.
• Ability to apply knowledge of best practices in Developmental Purchasing, Indirect Procurement, Supply Base, or Supply Chain and how their own area integrates with others to drive results.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within and/or lead a group or team providing guidance to members.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in strategic sourcing for service parts.

Preferred

• 3 - 5 years’ professional negotiating experience in a global business environment.
• 3 - 5 years’ professional experience improving supplier performance across multiple manufacturing facilities
• APQP experience.
• Power BI, SAP, and AS400 Experience.
• Experience in Make vs. Buy Analysis.
• Demonstrated CI experience – Lean or Six Sigma Certifications.
• Motorcycle riding experience and knowledge of Harley-Davidson motorcycles and accessories.