City of Shakopee

The Category Manager is a strategy setter, collaborator, project manager, and negotiator who applies strong knowledge of service offerings to Indirect spend categories for the company. This position will have accountability for spend categories, as assigned, such as Product Development, Software and IT Technology typically software. This position will also play a key role in rolling out key project initiatives for the Indirect Procurement organization. The ideal candidate must understand and have experience in project management such that services are effectively provided in support of the assigned categories. The right individual will also be knowledgeable in different procurement methods, as well as understand and negotiate the required agreements for purchasing those items.

Responsibilities:

• Develops and executes global category strategies and prepares, negotiates, manages, and coordinates agreements supporting assigned categories.
• Collaborates with business leaders in the establishment and execution of procurement strategies.
• Evaluates and selects suppliers in terms of quality, service, cost, and capability. Ensures competitive pricing and service model versus value proposition, industry trends and market dynamics.
• Prepares bid packages, conducts bidder conferences, creates statements of work, analyzes and evaluates proposals, negotiates terms and conditions, selects or recommends suppliers, writes awards, and administers resulting contracts.
• Manages supplier relationship including pipeline development, relationship development, communications, supplier onboarding, and project handoff to operational area.
• Skillfully negotiates to achieve spend targets.
• Works with various functions within the company including other business units to coordinate requirements, facilitate contract co-terminations, and leverage spend.
• Administers and manages supplier contracts to ensure compliance, externally and internally.
• Keeps apprised of market trends and changes in business practices in the assigned categories.
• Tracks cost savings, cost avoidance, and cost increases.
• Performs various reporting and spend analysis to support business goals.
• Leads and executes key projects for the Indirect Procurement Team (examples: implementing a Contract Management Tool and a new Procure-to-Pay System).
• Other duties, as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of purchasing or related experience or equivalent education and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Office applications; Microsoft Excel expertise a must.
• ERP system experience.
• Experience in negotiating agreements and contracts with strong comprehension of legal and commercial terms and conditions.
• Solid knowledge of supply chain requirements, systems, supplier development, indirect procurement categories, and process improvement.
• Ability to lead teams and influence peers and other cross-functional teams; strong communication skills. Highly-developed interpersonal skills and self-motivated.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• Able to travel up to 15%, including internationally.
• Must be able to lawfully work within the USA and have unrestricted work authorization for USA.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous Six Sigma training, Black or Green Belt desired.
• Experience in developing and implementing category strategies.
• Advanced degree in Business Administration or Purchasing Management.
• Nationally recognized professional certification (Certified Purchasing Manager or Certified Professional Contract Manager).
• Experience in working with intellectual property concepts and contractual language.
• Oracle and Coupa systems experience.
• Business Objects – Data warehouse experience.

Compensation Range:

The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $96,056-$140,883 per year (in the primary posting location). Actual compensation will be determined based on geographic location, education, skills and experience. This position is also eligible for the company’s discretionary annual incentive plan. In addition to your pay, Entrust offers eligible colleagues and their dependents comprehensive health and well-being programs which include medical, vision, dental, a generous 401(k) matching contribution, life and disability insurance, mental health coaching, virtual fitness programs, paid personal time off plus 12 paid holidays, parental leave and education reimbursement. Please speak with the recruiter for more details. Note: Benefit and Compensation programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program. Entrust has the right to end, suspend or amend any of its plans at any time in whole or in part.

For US roles, or where applicable:

Entrust is an EEO/AA/Disabled/Veterans Employer

For Canadian roles, or where applicable:

Entrust values diversity and inclusion and we are committed to building a diverse workforce with wide perspectives and innovative ideas. We welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds, and we strive to provide an accessible experience for candidates of all abilities.

If you require an accommodation, contact accessibility@entrust.com.

Recruiter:

Steve DonahueSteve.Donahue@entrust.com