Director, Indirect Commodity

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Global Indirect Procurement is responsible for developing, managing, and leading a global team of Managers, Category and Commodity Procurement Managers, along with Strategic regional buyers for Indirect commodities. The Director is responsible for developing, executing, and managing corporate sourcing initiatives for indirect procurement, and on behalf of the Global Indirect Procurement organization. In addition, the Director is expected to perform complex data analysis to identify new sourcing and other cost optimization opportunities to generate cost savings and risk mitigation for categories managed. He/She will work collaboratively with internal stakeholders to facilitate, optimize, and execute the purchase and corporate governance of these strategic categories within the organization. He/She will be expected to liaise with executives both within the organization and key supplier partners to develop lasting relationships that bring year on year value and return on investment.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participates in development and implementation of Global Indirect Strategy ensuring the requirements of the regions are included.
• Develops and drives the Indirect Commodity and Supplier strategy for Indirect business with Spend $300M+ globally across all business unit and business users.
• Provides management support for business and strategic procurement activities of Indirect by developing lean and highly responsive suppliers.
• Develops cost effective sources of supply that support AE’s growth strategies.
• Develops key suppliers to meet AE supplier qualification requirements, and reviews and maintains metrics related to supplier certification.
• Evaluates price trends, new products, and manufacturing processes that improve overall commodity team performance. Responsible for Price negotiations and all pricing decisions.
• Provides the overall coordination of the corporate supply chain to ensure continuity of supply and that suppliers meet corporate strategic needs of Indirect materials. This includes helping to ensure the timely delivery of quality parts consistent with cost targets.
• Collaborates with various cross-functional organizations including Finance, Engineering, Quality, Design, Operations and other stakeholders to drive Indirect and AE business success.
• May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Works in a standard office environment and uses office equipment (telephone, PC, copier, fax machine, etc.).

Travel required approximately 25% of time both domestic and international.

SKILLS:

• Strong knowledge of global and regional procurement best practices, policies and operations of Indirect.
• Strong proficiency in determining requirements to enable company’s business goals and objectives with ability to devise and implement strategy to achieve targets.
• Strong financial and analytical ability. Proficiency in managing business analytics to determine optimum company footprint.
• Strong knowledge of international direct and indirect taxes as well as global customs regimes.
• Proven track record of successful change management accomplishments, implementing and management continuous productivity and cost reduction programs.
• Proven track record of upskilling direct reports, providing timely and direct feedback as needed.
• Develops, tracks, and holds direct reports accountable for hitting goals assigned.
• Strong and convincing communication skills.
• Detailed specific category expertise. Adept communicator (verbal, written).
• Cross functional/organizational team management & facilitation skills (internal & external).
• Exhibits understanding of purpose for bringing out the best in people, developing internal & external relationships.
• Demonstrated data analysis capability.
• Must be a strong strategic thinker and able to succinctly communicate the vision/strategy to internal customers.
• Skills in conflict resolution and negotiation.

EXPERIENCE:

• Solid and proven experience in Procurement, Global Indirect Procurement, Engineering, Business Administration / Management, Operations, Finance, or a related field preferred
• 10+ years relevant experience (e.g., Sourcing, Buying or Procurement)
• 5+ years direct personnel management
• Experience in contract development, execution, and management.
• Experience building relationships with key stakeholders to gather category requirements and specifications from departments and category experts.
• Experience in driving use of procurement technology within a global organization.
• Conflict management experience
• Experience in managing and leading change initiatives involving significant impacts to the organization.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Operations Management, or equivalent education and/or experience. Master degree is preferred.