Associate Category Leader, Thermoplastics

　　Work Mode: Hybrid

　　Location: Hybrid at Kohler, WI (onsite 3 days a week)

　　Opportunity

　　Responsible for creating and executing sourcing strategies for assigned categories that allow Kohler Kitchen and Bath Group to win in the market while supply reducing risk and lowering total cost. Develop intimate knowledge of assigned products, suppliers, markets, and costs to create targeted sourcing strategies that include robust supplier management, risk mitigation, and cost saving plans. Strong project management, communication and leadership activity will be necessary to meet annual goals and objectives. Personal accountability, autonomy, communication, influence, and leadership will be critical to success in this role.

　　Specific Responsibilities

　　Sourcing Strategies

　　Create clear and concise Sourcing Strategies for all assigned categories with robust Supplier Performance Plans, Risk Mitigation Plans and Cost Saving Plans.

　　Create documents to educate stakeholders about the product, suppliers, production process and sourcing strategies.

　　Act as Subject Matter Expert for assigned product categories and suppliers.

　　Supplier Management

　　Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers or exit suppliers based on sourcing strategies.

　　Act as commercial relationship owner for assigned suppliers.

　　Maintain regular contact with suppliers, which includes visits to their operations

　　Manage Supplier Performance

　　Ensure all suppliers have best-in-class performance.

　　Utilize performance metrics (assessments, scorecards, dashboard, etc.).

　　Create supplier performance improvement plans based on sourcing strategy.

　　Leverage Quarterly Business Reviews that include supplier leadership.

　　Project Management

　　Lead cost saving, redesign and resourcing projects.

　　Participate on various project teams that require sourcing support.

　　Ability to manage numerous complex scope projects simultaneously.

　　Act as Project Manager for Sourcing driven projects.

　　Initiate timelines and adherence measurements to project goals; building and driving teamwork across functional areas.

　　Technical

　　SAP and Power BI experience is preferred.

　　Contracts

　　Strong contract clause knowledge, understanding and experience negotiating.

　　Independent ability to edit/revise a variety of standard contract templates and negotiate with suppliers to achieve the most favorable terms for Kohler Co.

　　Advanced understanding of business law and the ability to work directly with a legal team.

　　Drive the acquisition process by conducting RFx processes

　　Data Analysis

　　Interpret data sets, identify trends, and use data as a tool to help accomplish goals and communicate.

　　Total Cost of Ownership and Make vs. Buy calculations

　　Price Modeling and Forecasting

　　Utilize market reports and indexes to identify market trends, forecast and model prices

　　Personal/Interpersonal

　　Maintain professional ethics, business acumen, self-accountability, and a high level of integrity always.

　　Development of cross functional relationships through active team roles and support, embracing diverse and global cultures.

　　Self-starter, self-motivated, ability to work independently, collaborates with teams.

　　Rely on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.

　　Communication

　　Demonstrate clearly articulated speech and writing,

　　Use active listening skills and empathy to understand others.

　　Provide regular reports to management along with detailed gap analysis and corrective action plans.

　　Leadership

　　Take the lead on projects that will drive your annual goals and metrics forward.

　　Influence, inspire and motivate others.

　　Treat your assigned categories as though you were a business owner or GM.

　　Demonstrate time management and organizational skills that allow for managing many demands simultaneously.

　　Promotes self-development and the development within teams by all available resources (i.e., training programs, seminars, sharing of best practices, and self-study)

　　Skills/Requirements

　　Bachelor’s degree in Purchasing, Business, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Engineering, Operations.

　　5+ years as a purchasing professional.

　　Experience in creating sourcing strategies, contract negotiations, cost savings, problem solving and complex project execution.

　　Ability to travel 15% of the time to suppliers and other Kohler locations.

　　#LI-SW1

　　#LI-Hybrid

　　Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

　　The salary range for this position is $85,650 - $108,200. The specific salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate’s experience, their education, and the work location. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision & 401k.

　　Why Work at Kohler Co.?

　　Kohler Co.'s mission is to contribute to a higher level of gracious living for those who are touched by our products and services. We understand that it takes investment in our associates’ development to make that happen. So, we offer ongoing investment in each individual’s personal development and the opportunity to collaborate with others across functions and roles at Kohler.

　　In addition to the investment in your development, Kohler offers a benefits package including a competitive salary, health, vision, dental, 401(k) with company matching, and more!

　　*Important update for candidates applying to roles within Kohler Energy, including Power Systems, Engines, Home Energy, Kohler Uninterruptible Power, Clarke Energy, Curtis Instruments, and Heila Technologies.

　　On November 6, Kohler Co. announced the strategic decision to establish Kohler Energy as a separate, independent business with Platinum Equity as the majority investment partner. Kohler will continue to stay invested in the Energy business following the closing and remains committed to supporting the acceleration of long-term growth strategies for both organizations. Talent and operational transition plans are underway, and Kohler Co. and Platinum Equity expect the agreement to close in the first half of 2024.Thank you for your interest in joining our growing team as we embark on the next phase of growth!

　　About Us

　　Beyond the competitive benefits and compensation, Kohler proudly offers a rich history, steeped in creativity and a commitment to our associates and communities. We invite you to learn more about our culture and company at www.kohlercompany.com .

　　It is Kohler’s policy to recruit, hire, and promote qualified personnel in all job classifications without regard to race, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran. If, as an individual with a disability, you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected] . Kohler Co. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

　　We invite you to learn more about equal employment opportunity by reviewing the FederalEEO is the Law (https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf) and theEEO is the Law Supplement (https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf) .