GIBSON

Gibson Brands, Inc. (“Gibson” or the “company”), the world’s most iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sounds of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for more than 125 years. Orville Gibson founded the company in 1894 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Gibson has a legacy of world-class craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships and progressive product evolution that is unrivalled among musical instrument companies. Many Gibson instruments are highly collectible since Gibson was at the forefront of innovation for many genres of music including big band, rock-n-roll, and blues. Gibson operates via a central headquarters based in Nashville, TN, supporting five manufacturing facilities as well as four regionally-based support centres that enable the sales, marketing, and distribution activities in each of four different worldwide regions.

OVERALL JOB PURPOSE

The Category Manager provides a strategic plan for specified categories to Gibson’s internal business partners. The focus of this position is to work closely with the suppliers and internal stakeholders to gain in-depth understanding of strategy, product, processes, and cost structure.

The Category Manager will develop and implement procurement strategies that optimize business partnerships with strategic suppliers and drive the required performance in quality, cost, service and innovation. Ensure uninterrupted flow of production material from qualified and capable suppliers that meet KPIs. Responsibility for supplier selection, contract & price negotiations, supplier performance management and problem resolution.

The Category Manager will be an expert in their categories, and drive continuous improvements by conducting workshops with suppliers, driving best in class practices while driving change through the organization.

The Category Manager is responsible for strategic problem resolutions. Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, both internal and external, and manage those projects from “cradle to production”.

The Category Manager is a hands-on and experienced professional who enjoys rolling up his or her sleeves and working with the team(s) to create, implement, and drive change while minimizing risk to the supply of materials. A demonstrated ability to influence people and successful experiences working in a fast-paced, high-growth, multi-functional, matrixed, and international team are required. High energy level, team player and get the job done attitude.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Individual must be a team player, who likes to collaborate with the procurement team as well as cross functional team members, and a person who knows how to work within a team and be part of a team.
Develop and implement strategies for assigned commodities.
Provide forecast for changes in material availability, and changes in industry process trends. Make recommendations for strategic changes when appropriate.
Analyse primary cost drivers, quality, and item inhibitors throughout the supply chain and develop strategies and action plans to reduce or eliminate them.
Ensure appropriate capital budgeting to support cost reduction projects.
Ensure only approved suppliers are utilized in procuring material and services.
Conduct cross-functional value engineering/analysis projects targeting specific products for material waste reductions, cost reduction and continuous improvement opportunities.
Work with Engineering to ensure active participation of supplier partners in design of our products and components focusing them on quality and value.
Initiate purchasing programs to achieve strategic sourcing objectives and develop long-term partnership relationships with suppliers.
Focus on cost reduction initiatives to achieve targeted cost savings goal as rolled out.
Develop and implement strategies for assigned categories.
Reduce the numbers of suppliers within the supply base. Consolidate suppliers within responsible categories.
Support engineering on New Product Development (NPD) by obtaining competitive quotes, tooling information, First Article samples to support program launches.
Work and communicate with material’s buyer/planners on the following: smooth transitions when changing parts or suppliers, annual requirements, contracts and negotiations. Ramp down, ramp up transition plans.
Support Quality in driving suppliers to 100% quality.
Support Materials for 100% on-time deliveries.
Drive supplier lead-time reductions to meet overall customer needs.
Drive projects through categories and part families to achieve cost savings goals.
Timely responsiveness to price increases to support materials and ensure a constant flow of production parts to manufacturing.
Suppliers: Develops a qualified low cost and strategically located supply base to support current and anticipated material requirements. Assumes responsibility for supplier selection, price and terms negotiated, and supplier performance for all assigned categories.
Costs: Establishes an aggressive cost reduction program for each category and works in conjunction with the operating plants to assure timely implementation. Supports cost estimating with pricing, sourcing, and material planning information necessary to ensure successful introduction of new business.
Strategize: Establishes category strategies which may include global relationship and travel.
Contracts: Negotiate long-term supply contracts for high value categories, which require technical evaluation.
Facilitate teams and meetings.
Drive Cost Reduction Idea Generation & VA/VE Supplier Workshops.
Other responsibilities as assigned or required.
Achieve Gibson’s annual cost savings goals in support of Gibson’s financial performance objectives. Create and model Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for categories and sourcing decisions. Ensure Demand Management is embedded in category development with an Enterprise wide view. Leverage purchasing power of aggregated spend, resulting in maximized price, contractual terms and vendor service levels.
Identify areas of improvement in the supply of materials and services in assigned areas of the organization. Develop knowledge in our categories and services; develop robust strategies based on this knowledge and serve as a thought leader to the rest of the organization. Rationalize, segment and align supply base. Maintain detailed, current understanding of supplier, market and category economics.
Drive supplier relationship management and manage team’s supplier oversight responsibilities. Oversee regular and timely supplier audits/evaluations; develop and implement supplier scorecards that include performance metrics to drive optimal service levels as well as compliance and innovation for applicable categories. Liaise with Supplier’s top management to provide candid feedback that will help improve working relationships and performance. Intervene with poor performing suppliers, recommending and implementing corrective action where necessary.
Lead cross functional teams through sourcing process and ensure sourcing decision is consistent with overall BU/Division strategy. Drive internal customer satisfaction through coaching and mentoring; set clear and measurable objectives and lead the team to superior performance.
Monitor performance (KPIs) and implement improvement initiatives as necessary. Establish and promote a culture of continuous process improvement. Prepare responses to audits, condition reports and other data requests. Ensure ethical standards and company policies are followed in all related functions.
Partner with Group Purchasing Organizations (GPO) where applicable.
Ensure alignment between the business strategy and the sourcing strategy.
Develop and implement sourcing strategies and communication plan.
Negotiates with suppliers to secure appropriate cost, schedule, quality, payment and delivery terms.
Develop and execute action on plans to eliminate or minimize risk from the supply base.
Set objectives to be achieved through the sourcing strategy and monitor achievement.
Prepares reports by collecting, analysing and summarizing information from various sources.
Prepare data for make verses buy decisions.
Ensures the effective selection, qualification, management, and performance of suppliers.
Works with AP staff to ensure to leverage company’s cash position in payment of supplier invoices.
Maintains a current knowledge of company products, manufacturing operations and market trends.
Participates in New Product Introduction meetings from the earliest.
Excellent oral, written, problem solving and facilitating skills. Full understanding of all applicable policies, procedures, rules and regulations. Outstanding communications, conflict management and change management skills.
Full understanding of all phases of contracting (Bid, Award, Negotiation, Contract Development, Performance Monitoring, Claims, Dispute Resolution). Knowledge of analytical techniques to identify cost savings/sourcing opportunities. Understanding of project management techniques. Knowledge of Corp & IT Operations and Business Practices. Ability to interact effectively with all levels of the organization. Ability to develop and present business cases for complex, high dollar purchases.
Additional responsibilities include: ensure strategic direction providing value, quality, safety and performance is achieved through effective development and administration of category strategies. The position is expected to demonstrate broad-base and effective knowledge of all aspects of the sourcing and procurement process through Category Management methodology, as well as optimize process efficiency by Lean/Six Sigma processes and Supply Chain technologies. Develop, implement and maintain internal spend management reporting metrics. Create an organizational environment that promotes diversity, employee participation, accountability, teamwork and a philosophy of continuous improvement.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATIONS

Required Experience and Qualifications:

10+ years category management/purchasing/sourcing experience. Good project management and communication skills. Ability to easily interface with all levels of the organization, external vendors, etc. is required. This individual must be extremely intelligent, personable, dynamic, and innovative, with exceptional strategic and project management skills, yet one who deploys an energetic day-to-day “get-it-done” attitude. Solid communication skills, and the ability to influence and work effectively with cross functional team members, executives, and all external constituents. The successful candidate’s qualifications will include:
Bachelor / Master’s degree (or equivalent) in business, finance, management, or related field
10+ years’ experience, within a consumer goods or engineered products manufacturing company of $300M+, preferably with global responsibilities.
Extensive raw material strategic sourcing experience.
Skilled negotiator with fluency in contracts and pricing issues.
Results oriented, with a focus on business priorities, and a record of successful accomplishments.
Excellent written and oral communications skills, with the ability to communicate technical expertise.
Excellent supplier relationship management.
Lead and manage complex cross functional teams on projects to drive savings.
Must be able to efficiently manage multiple assignments concurrently, as well as assess and manage priorities driving to deadlines.
Self-starter with analytical skills, able to identify problems and/or opportunities for improvement, assess viable solutions, and develops and executes complex projects and comprehensive action plans.
Must be able to develop key working relationships at all levels of the organization. Must have excellent negotiation skills, value analysis techniques and the ability to plan and implement independently. The incumbent acts as a key leader on the category teams.
Periodic travel to and between the company’s manufacturing and supplier locations will be required (approximately 20-30%).

The company’s job descriptions are not intended to be a complete detailed account of all expected/anticipated activities. We operate in a fast-moving and competitive global environment and therefore need employees to be flexible.

Position is based out of Bozeman, Montana and Nashville, Tennessee (No relocation assistance is offered).To be considered for this position, please send resume and salary history to executive@gibson.com. No phone calls, please.

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