Strategic Sourcing Category Manager

Recruiter Contact
Naseem A. Malik

Managing Partner

773.301.6191

Davis-Standard


Equipment Manufacturing

Greater Chicago Area

Davis-Standard is a renowned global manufacturing solutions provider for the plastics and rubber industry. With a rich history spanning 175 years, Davis-Standard has become a trusted partner, offering innovative and technologically advanced solutions that set industry benchmarks.

The company specializes in designing, developing, and producing a wide range of extrusion and converting systems. Their cutting-edge portfolio includes extruders, film systems, coating and laminating equipment, pelletizing systems, and various downstream accessories, catering to diverse industries such as packaging, automotive, construction, medical, and consumer products.

With advanced manufacturing facilities strategically located worldwide, Davis-Standard ensures the consistent delivery of top-notch products known for their craftsmanship and durability. Their global network of service centers and skilled technicians provides exceptional support and maintenance, minimizing production disruptions and maximizing operational uptime.

Committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship, the company integrates energy-efficient technologies and recycling initiatives into their operations. They actively contribute to a greener future, making it an appealing choice for professionals seeking purposeful work.

The company was acquired in 2021 by a private equity firm, Gamut Capital.  D-S is headquartered in Pawcatuck, CT and employs 1500+ people worldwide.

Strategic Sourcing Category Manager

  • JOB SUMMARY


    The Strategic Sourcing Category Manager will be a leader on the Direct Procurement team with oversight of multiple categories of direct spend. The ideal candidate will be well versed in multiple categories with specific experience in manufacturing, with preference given to those with an understanding of industrial manufacturing.

    The role requires management of multiple contract negotiations and strategic sourcing initiatives (e.g. RFPs) at any given time. The selected candidate will partner with stakeholders globally at all levels, document results, manage escalations, and highlight concerns for various stakeholder parties.

    This candidate will partner with Direct Procurement leadership to review team processes, and reporting, as well as plan for future growth and expanded footprint in the organization. The candidate will help shape policy and process rollout among business units and stakeholders. The position is critical for advancing our procurement organization, maximizing value of any supplier relationships, and optimizing pricing and other terms.

    We are a truly collaborative team and culture that values strong project management, attention to detail, and a good-natured spirit. We have unlimited value creation opportunity and are very proud of the work we do and what we’re able to accomplish each year.

  • KEY RESPONSIBILITIES


    • Act as a strategic leader for several categories of direct spend, including heaters, Bearings and motors.
    • Execute sourcing initiatives and lead RFPs based on identified opportunities.
    • Create innovative and stakeholder informed category strategies.
    • Identify, establish, and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
    • Drive continuous improvement activities within assigned spend portfolio – optimize internal demand.
    • Identify areas of opportunity that relate to the assigned categories outside of today’s accountabilities; collaborate with appropriate stakeholders to yield value for Davis-Standard.
    • Contribute to the development and improvement of the department’s strategic, operational, and tactical processes.
    • Identify areas of rogue or maverick spend and seek to consolidate.
    • Team with Legal counsel to develop contracts ensuring quality and adherence to legal standards.
    • Ensure data integrity in all procurement systems for designated areas of spend.
    • Conduct diligence on new suppliers and project manage onboarding of them.
    • Contribute to the documentation of initiatives and supplier records in Procurement’s systems.
  • ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS


    • Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, finance, or logistics.
    • 5-8 years progressive purchasing experience.
    • Excellent negotiation skills, verbal and written communication and a self-starter.
    • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment.
    • Willingness to dive deep into problems and data to develop solutions.
    • Strong leadership, project management, and organization skills.
    • Knowledge in contract development, including key contracting principles, standard terms, laws/regulations and industry standards.
    • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills preferred. Must be comfortable creating presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint and presenting to stakeholders and senior leadership.
    • Strong business acumen, demonstrated ability to work as part of a team, ability to strategically link long-range business goals to daily activities, demonstrated ability to work with others to develop talent for the organization, and desire to use organizational knowledge to assist and influence others to specific action.
  • LOCATION


    This role is located in Chicago, IL.

  • COMPENSATION & BENEFITS


    Competitive compensation and benefits package commensurate with experience.

Leadership

Marsalie MacKenzie

Director Strategic Sourcing

Marsalie MacKenzie