Supply Chain Category Manager

What's the role?

The Category Manager is a key member of the Zeiss global procurement team, responsible for driving initiatives related to cost reduction, strategic sourcing, vendor management, relocation projects, risk mitigation, contract negotiation, and long-term strategic planning. This role plays a critical part in supporting business objectives to maintain a competitive supply chain strategy.

In addition to leading continuous improvement initiatives, the position is responsible for managing the procurement part in take over projects to our facility in Chesterfield, while partnering closely with Quality Management, R&D and the local and global procurement team to achieve overall supply chain goals.

Here's what you'll do

• Partner closely with Business Management, Engineering, Production and global Supply Chain teams to identify and prioritize initiatives that enable business growth
• Localize sources where applicable and manage global sourcing as well.
• Lead efforts to identify procurement risks, develop mitigation strategies, and collaborate with the global procurement team to implement solutions.
• Identify and qualify global suppliers that support site performance, global category performance and long-term business goals.
• Plan and execute supplier relocations utilizing the global suppler network
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to drive improvements in cost, quality, lead time, and service, while fostering long-term partnerships.
• Utilize ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Fishbowl)
• Manage regulatory compliance cross-functionally with Supplier Quality Management and global procurement team
• Track, analyze, and report on key procurement KPIs, including COGS, purchase price variance (PPV), supplier performance,
• Continuously assess supplier risk and implement mitigation strategies to ensure supply continuity in a regulated environment.
• Set up global strategies for assigned category and implement category strategies for our global supply chain.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Head of Global Category Management.

Key Metrics

• Cost savings and Purchase Price Variance (PPV) due to effective category strategy
• Availability of qualified suppliers and products according to project plans and technology roadmaps
• Supplier Performance for assigned category (contractual coverage, Number of high risk suppliers, Quality and cost down performance)

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in supply chain roles, with at least 3 years in a Procurement role.
• Demonstrated success responsible for strategic procurement in a regulated industry*
• Strong background in contract negotiation, supplier performance management, and leading cost savings initiatives.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems (SAP/Fishbowl preferred).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and use of AI.
• Experience in Asian and European supply markets incl. global travel* APICS/ASCM or CSCP certification.

Work Authorization Requirement

This position requires unrestricted authorization to work in the United States. This role is not eligible for current or future employment visa sponsorship or visa transfers.