Colder Products Company (CPC) is the leading provider of quick disconnect couplings, fittings and connectors for plastic tubing. At CPC, we believe that fluid handling should be safe and easy. We engineer our connection solutions to improve the overall functionality and design of equipment and processes for the life sciences, industrial, and chemical handling markets. Special features of our products include precise hose barbs for superior grip, built-in shutoff valves for preventing spills, and easy-to-use, push-button thumb latches for quick connecting and disconnecting. CPC is a Dover company based in the Minnneapolis/St. Paul area with global offices and operations in Europe and Asia.

This Category Manager is responsible for the development and execution of strategies within an assigned business-wide category/categories. This role will manage existing suppliers and identify new suppliers by providing leadership in a cross-functional team environment for sourcing, strategic planning, category expertise, supplier selection, cost and capital management, and supplier risk management.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and execute category strategies that improve sourcing of components to support on-going business, as well as new product design and development activities. Develop deep understanding of existing suppliers, future product and technology needs, and growth plans.
• Provide category knowledge and market expertise for assigned category/categories to cross-functional teams.
• Lead supplier selection activities in alignment with category strategies and business objectives.
• Manage all aspects of supplier relationships. Develop and manage strong supplier relationships to provide the best competitive advantage and utilization of the company's annual spending. Provide governance over key supplier relationships and lead supplier business reviews.
• Manage critical supplier projects, such as supplier capacity improvements.
• Direct/lead efforts to prevent and resolve complex supply chain issues.
• Develop and maintain material cost tracking models. Actively seek out and execute cost reduction opportunities. Generate and negotiate agreements to provide the lowest Total Cost of Ownership.
• Comply with all quality policies, while continuously identifying opportunities for improvement. Support the processes of ISO, ASI and other certifications deemed necessary by the business.
• Demonstrate support of CPC core values. Comply with all company policies and safety regulations.
• Perform other job duties as assigned to meet business needs.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, or related fields.
• 2+ years of related procurement, supplier relationship management, contract negotiation, and category management experience.
• 2+ years of experience working with new product development teams and developing supply and stocking strategies to support new product launches through product life cycle.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as proven experience working one-on-one with suppliers, business units, engineering, and senior management (internally and suppliers).
• Creative problem solver. Able to analyze and resolve problems using initiative.
• Self-motivated and confident. Comfortable to work independently, as well as within cross-functional teams.
• Able to balance many tasks and conflicting priorities. Able to negotiate conflict.
• Astute organizational skills with drive to meet deliverables in a timely manner. Attention to detail and accuracy. High level of a sense of urgency.
• High degree of computer proficiency, including software applications of Microsoft Word, Outlook PowerPoint, and advanced Excel.
• Extensive category management experience with injection molded plastics and silicones, machined metals and plating, preferred.
• Experience working in a global, multi-site manufacturing company, preferred.
• Experience working in medical device or other regulated industry, preferred.
• Proficient skills navigating large-scale ERP systems and PowerBI; Oracle preferred.

Travel:

• Up to 20%

CPC Culture
Here are CPC, we are committed to respecting and valuing people, collaborating, and having high ethical standards. We have a passion for creating the best connections in the world.

Mentorship & Career Growth
Our team is dedicated to supporting and empowering new team members. Our team has a wide range of experience levels and tenures. We are focused on building an environment that supports knowledge-sharing and mentorship.

Work/Life Balance
Our team puts a high value on work-life balance. Finding the right balance between your personal and professional life is important. We offer a Monday-Friday schedule. Our business hours are from 8am-4:30pm. We also provide paid holidays and PTO and paid parental leave.

We are an equal-opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

We consider several job-related, non-discriminatory factors when determining the pay rate for a position, including, but not limited to, the position's responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, a candidate's education/training, the position's location, and the key skills needed for the position. Pay is one of the Total Rewards that we provide to compensate and recognize employees for their work.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or any other factors prohibited by law.

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