Senior Category Manager

Company

A worldwide leader in independent containership management and ownership.

Location

Hong Kong OR Singapore

Report to

Managing Directors

Job Summary

The Senior Category Manager - Dry Dock (SM) role has a global scope where the successful candidate will lead some of the most complex and critical procurement categories for the Company. The SM will play a role in coaching and developing the category management skill set of junior team members. He/She will perform Strategic Sourcing, contracting activities and long-term strategic vendor management, requiring an ability to fluidly engage cross-functionally with stakeholders at all levels. The SM will apply procurement policy, tools and supporting materials in cooperation with stakeholders and ensure the successful implementation and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Perspective: Owns one or more strategic procurement categories; develops and executes long-term category strategies in support of the Company strategies. Accounts for market situation, market development and internal customer requirements. Has a fundamental understanding of procurement categories owned by other team members and is able to provide functional guidance for these, when needed. Prioritizes projects and operational support objectively based on understanding of relative urgency and impact.
• Supplier Management: Monitors contract performance while developing and driving structured supplier relationships. Develops reporting methods and tools to track and benchmark purchase, savings and identify additional areas of opportunity. Establishes and manages favourable vendor relationships to ensure competitive pricing and effective service levels; addresses performance issues related to the vendors and act as the main point of contact for general / performance-related communications with the vendors.
• Sourcing: Independently leads complex sourcing or cost optimization projects through the strategic sourcing and project management processes. This includes demand mapping, creation of complex sourcing events, creation of advanced total cost analyses, negotiations and contracting. He/She interprets data, collaborates with internal stakeholders, leads negotiations with vendors, makes fact-based recommendations, and ensures thorough implementation of new contracts for use by Purchasers of the Company and its partners.
• Leadership: Adopts leadership principles confidently. Coaches and develops direct reports as well as others when relevant. Ability to lead others by applying a suitable combination of leadership styles based to the context. Develops and refines Procurement policies and processes with an understanding of balance and trade-offs between formal compliance requirements, efficiencies, and the operational reality.
• Development & Ownership of Systems: Develops and maintains internal tools for contract, project and vendor management, purchasing support etc. Develops and/or improves reporting tools and dashboards related to spend management, vendor performance, contract compliance or other matters with a view of the long-term functional needs of the Company. Understands how configuration and design of systems impacts the efficiency of Company and collaboration with stakeholders.
• Supply Management: Collaborates with Supply Chain and Operations to establish cohesive supply planning and distribution strategies globally. Proactively identifies areas of supply risk (demand, supply, environmental and business continuity) and work with stakeholders to develop and implement risk management strategies.
• Teamwork: Performs well in a complex organization where agility is required to serve all stakeholders in line with their requirements and expectations. Ensures procurement of goods and services match the quality required by the respective Company and its partners operations and technical functions. Stays aware of major development in other categories and involves himself/herself in the work of colleagues by offering support, guidance, and constructive feedback when relevant. Leads by example by sharing best practice. Is seen by other team members as a reliable sparring partner for complex issues arising from sourcing and category management activities.
• Internal Compliance: Is familiar with the Health, Safety, Environmental Protection and Quality Policies and understands the responsibilities and requirements included in Company and its partners policies including their ESG programs. They understand their duty to report any environmental noncompliance via the Company and its partners open reporting system as per relevant guidelines

Requirements

• Minimum eight years experience in a Procurement function, with preference for Category Management and/or Strategic Sourcing roles.
• Experience in the maritime industry is a plus, with preference for experience with a vessel-owner or vessel-operator.
• Formal education within Business, Economics, Finance, Logistics, or related field.
• Strong relationship building and business acumen. Must be able to establish credibility with business stakeholders and influence where needed.
• Maturity to take ownership of assigned categories and projects, and the energy and confidence to drive an agenda of continuous development.
• Ability to understand market dynamics within the procurement category and create own network for success; demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit.
• Ability to deal effectively with ambiguity and resolve multi-party conflicts to get to the "right answer".
• Fluent English with excellent verbal and written communication skills, including proficient presentation skills.
• Self-starter who can work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills are required as well as excellent attention to accuracy and detail.
• Proficiency in PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
• International travel may be required on short notice.
• Must have mobility to attend vessels, suppliers, Company and its partners office locations and service providers.
• Availability via a mobile device outside of office hours.