Sr. Buyer

Status: Exempt

Department: Supply Chain

Position Summary

The Category Manager owns supplier relationships associated with one or more categories while playing a key role in the development and implementation of the overall strategy for cost reduction and margin improvement.

A Category Manager is the technical expert for to the categories assigned to it the preferential point of contact for internal technical queries related to the categories assigned to it, acting as a technical

This role also focuses on the development of both technical improvement strategies to ensure a well-managed pool of fit-for-purpose solutions, under a continuous improvement short-term and long-term with the goal of reducing cost for supply chain and control of capacity to support of business and development goals.

Category Manager must be the leader to manage cost-out initiatives while ensuring supreme quality related to categories of items to be procured that impact Company projects.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long term strategies for categories to assure continuous deflation by leveraging volume, supplier, and product development.
• Leads exploring, developing, and validating opportunities in quality improvements, and cost savings.
• Market intelligence and search for new suppliers.
• Mitigate risk to the supply chain by understanding the markets, economic conditions, global events, etc.
• Supplier Relationship Management.
• Prepare volume forecast based on annual sales goals; communicate forecast as appropriate to supply base.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships and work with colleagues to understand their needs as related to engineering and supply chain.
• Track supplier performance and provide regular feedback to key suppliers; set clear expectations with suppliers and work to add/replace suppliers as needed for optimal business results.
• Represent Plug Power in a professional manner at all times and in all interactions.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelors degree in Engineering, and seven (7) or more years of related work experience.
• Must be capable of working independently, in a fast-paced environment, with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated analytical abilities with strong attention to detail.
• Superior communication skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office software including highly developed skills within Excel.
• Ability to manage projects and multi-task effectively.
• Ability to role model high standards of professionalism.
• Excellent follow-through.
• Must be driven and self-motivated.
• Must possess the highest ethical standards and a supreme commitment to quality.