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The Sr. Manager, Procurement contributes to Interstate Batteries’ success by developing and implementing strategic sourcing initiatives. This role is the face to our primary suppliers and is a critical role in driving sourcing and supplier relationship management.

Key Responsibilities:

Category Management:

• Accountable for overseeing expenditure across automotive, commercial, and marine categories.
• Drive exceptionally exacting standards with suppliers in terms of fill rates and product quality.
• Leads and motivates Team Members, promoting a working environment aligned with our Purpose & Values.
• Coaches, mentors, and develops Team Members, including new employee orientation and providing career development planning and opportunities.
• Plan and allocate resources to effectively staff and accomplish the work to meet departmental productivity and quality goals. Partners with Product and Quality leadership to ensure alignment between product strategy and sourcing strategy.
• Provide recommendations to Senior Leadership on sourcing and risk management strategies.

Supplier Relationship Management:

• Primary interface in managing and facilitating business relationships with primary suppliers across automotive, commercial, and marine categories.
• Expands the influence of relationships with strategic suppliers and key stakeholders.
• Identifies, communicates, and acts on opportunities arising from data analysis, supplier partnering, and stakeholder collaboration.
• Leverages supplier relationships to drive innovation and sustainability through new products and services.
• Resolves contractual obligations and cost/price analyses.
• Manages supplier documentation including Statement of Work (SOW), substitution forms, monthly quotes etc.

Sourcing:

• Partners with Procurement Operations team on initial steps of supplier qualification process, to include Request for Information (RFI), Request for Proposal (RFP), and Request for Quote (RFQ) procedures.
• Manages supplier qualification process steps of supplier selection, negotiation, contract development and implementation.
• Leverages sourcing metrics and accompanying dashboards to assess supplier performance and track key financial deliverables.
• Utilizes proven Sourcing and Procurement processes to drive sustainable results for the business.
• Partners with Planning team to understand demand forecasts and identify supply risk.
• Partners with Interstate Batteries Recycling (IBR) to understand value drivers regarding supplier lead programs
• Provides insightful explanations of variances and recommendations on risks and opportunities to the budget/forecast.
• Collaborates with leadership on development and execution of business initiatives.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; MBA preferred
• 8+ years of professional Procurement experience required
• 5+ years international procurement experience
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) preferred
• Ability to influence others and is viewed as a dynamic leader within their own organization and external partners
• Previous contract preparation and negotiation experience
• Strong understanding of advanced planning systems, supplier portfolio management, spend analysis, RFx processes, and negotiations.
• Strong business acumen with an ability to anticipate impact of decisions & initiatives
• Self-motivator with a keen sense of urgency to drive results that are valuable to the business
• Skillfully organized and able to handle detailed work in a fast paced, multi-project environment
• Excellent communication and presentation skills. Must possess strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, including ability to address and resolve sensitive or emotional business topics.
• Problem-solving skills coupled with a continuous improvement mindset and an analytical approach to work
• Proficient in the utilization of MS products (Excel, Word, PPT, and Outlook); Experience with SAP is desirable

Scope Data:

• Primary contact to suppliers and responsible for supplier relationship management
• Partners with Procurement Operations teams in the supplier qualification process
• Partners with key stakeholders with execution of business initiatives
• Exemplifies Interstate Batteries’ Purpose and Values
• Interacts professionally with fellow Team Members and other IB departments
• Must be able to work in a “Team oriented” environment

Work Environment:

• Ability to sustain posture in a seated position for prolonged periods of time.
• Regularly required to use hands to grasp or handle, talk and hear, stand and walk.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move 20+ lbs.
• May be exposed to battery warehouse conditions such as exposure to moving equipment mechanical parts, fumes, or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals.
• Prolonged use of personal computers & telephones.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• Travel required up to 25%

Note: We do not accept resumes from headhunters, placement agencies, or other suppliers that have not signed a formal agreement with us.

Interstate Batteries provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Interstate Batteries complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Interstate Batteries expressly prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, disability (mental and physical), marital status, military status, veteran status, citizenship or any other characteristic protected under applicable local, state or federal law.