Indirect Strategic Category Lead - Capital/ Equipment

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What we offer:
At Magna, you can expect an engaging and dynamic environment where you can help to develop industry-leading automotive technologies. We invest in our employees, providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed. As a member of our global team, you can expect exciting, varied responsibilities as well as a wide range of development prospects. Because we believe that your career path should be as unique as you are.
Group Summary:
The Magna Exteriors portfolio of products includes access systems such as liftgates, exterior trim, modular systems, front-end modules including fascia, active aerodynamic systems and other lightweight structural components for automotive, commercial truck and other industrial markets.
Recognized globally as an innovator in all aspects of vehicle exteriors, Magna provides everything needed, from materials development and design through manufacturing and assembly, to help automakers create sleek, state-of-the-art vehicles across the world.
Job Responsibilities:
The Strategic Category Lead reports to the Director of Purchasing and Supply Chain - Indirect Materials and is responsible for capital expenditure (CapEx) equipment. This role involves managing supplier relationships, negotiating
contracts, and ensuring the timely and cost-effective procurement of equipment essential for the company's manufacturing operations.
The Strategic Category Lead- Indirect is a member of Global Magna Exteriors Purchasing team and is responsible for contributing to the overall business strategy, establishing commodity goals and objectives. The Strategic Category Lead- Indirect responsible for building strong, cross-functional internal relationships and key relationships with suppliers.
This position closely collaborates with Purchasing, Plant Materials and Logistics, Operations, Product Line, Sales, Engineering, Quality, Finance, Manufacturing Strategy, EHS, and Data Analytic teams at all levels.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
1.Strategic Sourcing:• Develop & implement global sourcing strategies for CapEx equipment to meet the company's operational & financial
objectives.• Conduct market analysis to identify potential suppliers and assess their capabilities.• Lead cross-functional teams to evaluate and select suppliers based on quality, cost, delivery, and service.
2. Supplier Management:• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure long-term partnerships.• Monitor supplier performance and implement improvement plans as necessary.• Conduct regular supplier audits to ensure compliance with company standards and requirements.
3. Contract Negotiation:• Negotiate contracts, terms, and conditions with suppliers to secure the best possible terms for the company.• Ensure all contracts are compliant with legal and regulatory requirements.• Manage contract renewals and amendments as needed.
4. Cost Management:• Develop and manage the CapEx equipment budget, ensuring alignment with the company's financial goals.• Identify cost-saving opportunities and implement initiatives to reduce procurement costs.• Track and report on cost performance metrics.
5. Project Management:• Lead and manage procurement projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery of equipment.• Coordinate with internal stakeholders, including engineering, manufacturing, and finance, to align procurement
activities with project timelines and requirements.• Mitigate risks and resolve issues that may impact project delivery.
6. Risk Management:• Identify and mitigate risks associated with the procurement of Capex equipment.• Develop contingency plans to address potential supply chain disruptions.
7. Market Intelligence:• Stay informed about market trends, emerging technologies, and industry developments.• Provide insights and recommendations to senior management based on market intelligence.
8. Cross-Functional Collaboration:• Work closely with engineering, operations, finance, and other departments to understand their requirements and
ensure alignment with procurement strategies.• Lead cross-functional teams in the execution of sourcing projects and initiatives.
9. Contract Management:• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts with suppliers.• Ensure all contracts comply with legal and regulatory requirements.• Manage contract lifecycle, including renewals and amendments
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Education: A Post-Secondary Degree in Purchasing, Supply Chain Management, or related field. MBA preferred.
- Work Experience: Minimum 6 years in automotive and/or diversified manufacturing experience, with a focus on CapEx equipment. Minimum 4+ years of experience in leadership positions with a track record of progression.
- Demonstrated ability to work in and lead in a large matrix organization, work collaboratively with colleagues at all levels of the organization, and get results through others by building constructive, trusting relationships with internal partners and global supply base.
- Proven track record of developing and executing successful sourcing strategies.
- Strong negotiation, communication and contract management skills.
- Excellent project management, analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Proficiency in procurement software and tools, as well as Microsoft Office.
- Must have demonstrated success in working with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers in a complex, competitive automotive market.
- Broad functional experience in areas of strategic planning, materials, manufacturing, purchasing, supply chain management, logistics and cost reduction.
- Experience with total quality manufacturing management and continuous improvement.
- Experience in Lean Manufacturing environment is a plus.
- Knowledgeable of business quoting and launch processes, industry best practices, standards, and performance metrics.
- Travel: Ability to travel up to 25% on average including internationally as required.
- Skills/Special Knowledge: Sourcing Strategy, Finance, International Sourcing, Total Landed Cost, Make-vs-Buy, and Cost Modeling experience highly preferred.
- Very strong PC skills required along with knowledge and experience with data analysis tools such as Power BI and Microsoft Office (especially Excel).
- Professional Certification(s) a plus: C.P.M, CPIM, CSCP
- Executive Presence
- Effective communication and presentation skills
KEY BEHAVIORAL TRAITS FOR SUCCESS:
Business Acumen. Able to; ensure that everyone is constantly reviewing options for enhancing revenue or profitability; share knowledge of trends, competitors, etc. that affect the organization; hold people accountable for making good fiscal decisions; make significant investments to facilitate continued or long-term organizational strength; provide cost justification to decision makers to obtain resources.
Strategic Alignment. Able to; ensure that all systems in the organization are aligned toward achieving overall strategic goals; continually communicate and reinforce the highest priority strategic initiatives to keep the organization focused on the right things; hold others accountable for meeting the needs of the total business rather than optimizing the performance of only their area; ensure that the organization has broad strategies and plans that focus on market needs and competitive advantage; set and articulate a compelling vision for the organization.
Planning & Organizing. Able to; establish priorities among the organization's strategies to help people understand which initiatives are most important; ensure that organization has people skills and resources to meet business goals; set an organization expectation that people will plan, prioritize, and organize their work effectively; drive the judicious use of resources throughout the organization; monitor others' adherence to project plans or timetables. Effective at managing change and conflicting priorities.
Problem Solving & Analysis. Able to; establish resources and/or processes to gather information/data for problem solving or analysis; create an environment that supports cross-functional analysis and problem solving; support the definition and resolution of ill-defined, complex problems that cross organizational boundaries; ensure redundant organization-wide systems to facilitate accurate and complete data collection and analysis; recognize and resolve emerging problems for the business before they become reality.
Continuous Quality & Performance Improvement. Able to; foster an organizational environment in which individuals take personal responsibility for improving work processes and products; identify and resolve quality issues that cross departments or functions; support efforts that enhance the organization's quality performance; create an environment where best practices are freely shared among teams throughout the organization and performance is measured to facilitate continuous improvement.
Customer / Supplier. Understands their role in creating customer/supplier strategies to generate and sustain profitable business; Develops and maintains strong customer and supplier relationships; Demonstrates global cultural sensitivity in dealing with customers and suppliers; Demonstrates ability to manage the customer/supply base.
Communication and Empowerment. Establishes effective communication plans, demonstrating clear and respectful communications in all situations. Demonstrates openness and responsiveness to feedback. Creates a positive work environment which inspires and challenges employees to do their best. Gives employees authority to take responsibility for their work.
Awareness, Unity, Empowerment:
At Magna, we believe that a diverse workforce is critical to our success. That's why we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire on the basis of experience and qualifications, and in consideration of job requirements, regardless of, in particular, color, ancestry, religion, gender, origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or gender identity. Magna takes the privacy of your personal information seriously. We discourage you from sending applications via email or traditional mail to comply with GDPR requirements and your local Data Privacy Law.
Worker Type:
Regular / Permanent
Group:
Magna Exteriors