What are the responsibilities and job description for the Category Management Specialist position at Itron, Inc.?
Itron is revolutionizing how utilities and cities manage energy and water. We are committed to creating a more sustainable, resourceful world. Join us.
The Category Management Specialist will support the Indirect Procurement team with all sourcing activities. He/she will be responsible for supplier vetting, contract administration, supporting the sourcing process, vendor relations, invoice resolution, managing the SharePoint site, leading small projects, running reports and creating presentations. This role plays a crucial part in maintaining cost-effective procurement practices, including supplier relationship management to reduce costs, optimizing the supply chain, and supporting efficient production processes. This is a hybridDuties and Responsibilities:- Responsible for supporting the Global Category Manager with sourcing activities for all categories to include strategy development, RFx process, bid evaluation, supplier selection, contract, price & terms negotiations, performance evaluation, etc.
- Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers to meet the organization's procurement needs, considering factors such as cost, quality, lead time, business continuity, and diversity.
- Collaborate with legal, suppliers and other internal teams to finalize and manage contracts throughout their lifecycle.
- Negotiate terms with suppliers, including price, quality, quantity, lead time, method of delivery, and expectations.
- Review and analyze contractual terms and conditions to mitigate risks and ensure compliance.
- Monitor supplier performance, issue quarterly scorecards, and address any contractual issues or disputes.
- Responsible for tracking cost Savings, cost Avoidance, rebates, spend, volumes, contract management and KPI monitoring.
- Support team with Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) activities for strategic suppliers.
- Foster strong relationships with suppliers to enhance collaboration, problem-solving, and long-term value.
- Identify and develop alternate sources of supply to mitigate risk and enhance supply chain flexibility.
- Work closely with internal teams (Production, Engineering, IT, HR, etc.) to ensure procurement requirements are met and timely communication is maintained.
- Create process documents and workflows.
- Maintain a solid understanding of the overall business and operational needs.
- Entrepreneurial attitude with the ability to take initiative and work independently.
- Demonstrated ability building relationships and strategic alliances that motivate internal teams and suppliers to meet strategic objectives.
- Proficient in all phases of procurement and possess analytical ability to evaluate strategic options and the impact on the business.
- Strong analytical skills to develop complex category strategies.
- Detail oriented, with ability to see the big picture.
- Works independently.
- Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business administration, foreign language (French), Corporate Law, (preferred).
- Experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain roles.
- Strong knowledge of procurement strategies and supplier management.
- Proven experience in negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, and achieving cost savings.
- Advanced Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
- Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Written and oral proficiency in French & German.
- Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams and adapt to changing priorities.
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management abilities.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder and supplier management.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic manufacturing environment.
Itron is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce and providing an authentic workplace experience for all employees. If you are excited about this role but your past experiences don't perfectly align with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway. In the end, you may be just who we are looking for!
The successful candidate's starting salary will be determined based on permissible, non-discriminatory factors such as skills and experience.
Itron is proud to be an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer. If you require an accommodation to apply, please contact a recruiting representative at 1-800-635-5461 or email Accessibility@itron.com.
Itron enables utilities and cities to safely, securely and reliably deliver critical infrastructure solutions. We provide smart networks, software, services, meters, and sensors to better manage electricity, gas, water and city services. We are dedicated to creating a more resourceful world.
Itron is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, medical condition, veteran status, disability, genetic information, gender identity or other characteristics protected by law.
