Category Manager

Howmet Engines is currently seeking an experienced strategic sourcing professional with strong innovation, execution, communication and project management skills. In this role, the successful candidate will be responsible for investment casting mold construction materials, refractories and process chemicals as part of the Howmet Engines Category Management Team. Casting materials is one of the largest and most technically complex categories of spend and includes alumina, wax, zircon, crucibles, pour cups, and refractories, and spans across our locations globally with a direct impact on Howmet Engines business strategy. This category requires not only high level strategy support but also a more intimate supplier performance management including but not limited to ensuring capacity is available, product gets shipped on time and of a good quality in order for Engines to meet its annual EBITDA and cash targets.

Preferred location for the position is Whitehall, MI. Will also consider candidates with the ability to work at either Wichita Falls, TX, Hampton, VA, Dover, NJ, or LaPorte, IN.

Key Responsibilities:

• The overall goal is to achieve the best total cost position for all external spend within the Casting Materials Categories, the highest supply reliability with the lowest sourcing risks to ensure the highest efficiency and effectiveness of the Procurement team.
• He/she serves as the point of contact for supplier issues within the assigned categories including issues related to service, commercial terms and contract disputes.
• He/she has to execute global best-in-class procurement processes using state-of-the-art procurement IT software support, ensuring the Procurement organization is utilizing the maximum potential within global and local markets (Cost Savings, Innovation, Quality, Logistics).
• Specific areas of responsibility include: develop and execute commercial plans on a year over year basis in accordance with Business Unit objectives including but not limited to the utilization of high yield methods and low cost country sourcing; work with the commercial sales organization to ensure that Casting Materials prices are fixed for the term of the agreements placed with our customers; create and negotiate long term agreements; assess and act upon spend leveraging opportunities; partner with business stakeholders to define best total cost of ownership when it comes to internal and external supply options; secure required capacity and lead time guarantees from engaged suppliers; manage key supplier performance when it comes to on-time delivery, quality and claims; locate and develop new supplier sources to avoid monopolistic sourcing options; drive savings opportunities related to technical process improvements; act as a project manager for all in-sourcing opportunities, communicate with a wide range of stakeholders in finance, operations, engineering, business unit leadership; influence Procurement Operations to ensure successful execution of the Casting Materials category strategies; act independently and be a self-starter
• Direct responsibility for spend within Casting Materials
• Achieves Procurement targets worldwide for assigned categories (cost, supply availability, innovation, quality)
• Develops and executes Procurement strategies such as Low Cost Country Sourcing strategies
• Maintains business relationships with representatives of strategic suppliers for applicable categories
• Collaborates with Procurement Engineering function using forums such as workshops to achieve category cost savings targets
• Aligns with commercial sales organization to ensure Casting Materials capacity and cost is secured to meet customer long-term agreements
• Leads, co-leads, or supports commercial sourcing activity across all categories as required to meet company objectives (e.g. e-Auction, RfQ processes)
• Leads, co-leads, or supports non-commercial events as required to meet objectives, including, but not limited to Kaizen and Working Capital/Inventory workshops
• Executes contract and Terms and Conditions negotiations with suppliers in Casting Materials
• Accountable for Performance areas: cost savings, supplier performance, challenging of material & service specifications (demand management)

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum of 7 years previous work experience in a procurement, operations, sales, finance, engineering role(s)
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Must be willing to travel up to 25%
• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's ability to lawfully obtain access to such items.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MBA in Business Administration/Economics or similar preferred
• Experience with casting materials, e.g., alumina, wax, zircon, crucibles, pour cups, and refractories highly desired
• Strong Project Management skills with demonstrated success
• Technical understanding preferred
• Communication and negotiation skills
• Innovative, strategic thinker
• Results-oriented
• Strong decision making skills
• Customer-oriented with business acumen