BASIC FUNCTION:

The primary function of this position is to coordinate  the strategic procurement process, with guidance from senior procurement managers, for assigned responsibilities to ensure the cost effective acquisition of goods and services for Gerdau.  These activities include but are not limited to the execution of procurement strategies, bid process and negotiations, team-based supplier selection and development, contract management, and departmental process improvement.

The incumbent is responsible for incorporating sustainability principles in its sourcing parameters and in the management of global suppliers as a way to promote sustainable development. As part of this effort, when acquiring products and services, the incumbent should work to ensure the adherence of its suppliers and contractors to Gerdau’s Sustainability Policy and Code of Ethics for Third Parties. Gerdau seeks to disseminate the culture of sustainability throughout its value chain through partnership, communication, awareness and engagement initiatives.

DIMENSIONS:

1. Annual Spend Responsibility:             $10M to $30M

2. Number of locations:                          20 Steel Mills

99 Downstream and Recycling Locations

3. Supervisory Responsibility:                No direct reports

NATURE AND SCOPE:

This job reports directly to the Manager, Commodities and Service Corp for the assigned area of responsibility (i.e. Production Materials, MRO, Services, CAPEX or BCC).

Qualifications for this job include a four year degree in Engineering or Business Administration combined with up to 3 years of procurement experience with exposure in a industrial or manufacturing environment. Incumbent must have previous working in cross-functional teams. Previous experience in SAP and Crystal Reports is preferred.

Working knowledge in contemporary procurement process is required. Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills in which enable effective interaction with all levels of management is mandatory. Strong analystical and computer skills (MS Office Suite) are a must. Professional certification in Procurement or Supply Chain Management preferred.

The main objective for the Category Management Specialist I is to effectively coordinate the strategic procurement process, with guidance from senior procurement managers, by executing effective supply strategies that decrease total cost of ownership, and supporting Procurement and Category Management Analyst II in category analysis and monthly reporting

The Category Management Specialist I is responsible for executing sourcing strategies, leading the competitive bid and supplier selection process, negotiating with global suppliers, and managing supplier relationships, including contract development and administration.

The Category Management Specialist I carries out company policies regarding procurement practices, standards, and ethical conduct to ensure the fair, effective, and competitive sourcing of goods and services throughout the operating units.  Continuous contact with field personnel, and suppliers is required to ensure a high standard of professional practices  and results, to optimize the acquisition process, and achievement of financial objectives.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. Coordinate the execution of procurement strategies for assigned categories and support Category Management Analyst II at all levels (global, national, & regional), ensuring cost-effective results and ethical procurement practices.

      a. Analyze category market attributes such as number of global suppliers, competitiveness, logistics, technology, criticality, market complexity, etc.

      b. Engage internal customers to fully understand the impact of each category to the operation.

      c. Utilize market and business intelligence to effectively execute procurement strategies.

2. Continuously gather, maintain, and distribute pertinent key supplier and market intelligence such as financial performance, business activities, negotiation history, cost drivers, and supplier performance in order to support effective decision making, negotiation planning, and to reduce supply chain risk.

3. Coordinate negotiations and manage supply agreements for assigned categories, with guidance from senior procurement managers.

      a. Lead the development of Requests for Quotations and Requests for Proposals.

      b. Effectively coordinate the competitive bid process.

c. Analyze competitive bids and work with senior procurement managers in the development of negotiation strategies.

      d. Participate in negotiations and execute agreements for assigned categories.

4. Accurately enter and maintain contracts in SAP.  This includes key information such as price, lead time, incoterms, etc.

5. Effectively execute the supplier performance evaluation and development process with key stakeholders.

a. Proactively engage assigned BCC suppliers to identify new opportunities, more visibility, performance improvement opportunities, monitor KPIs, and drive corrective actions when necessary and engage key stakeholders for input.

      b. Periodically meet with suppliers to develop actions to improve supplier performance and/or capabilities.

6. Work with key stakeholders to identify, plan, and execute continuous improvement opportunities to decrease total cost of ownership.

      a. Annually meet with key stakeholders to identify areas for continuous improvement as it pertains to procurement.

      b. Facilitate the engagement of suppliers to assist in the action plan to improve total cost of ownership.

      c. Partner with internal stakeholders to identify sourcing, cost optimization, and operational improvement opportunities that can be supported through BCC suppliers.

7. Stay engaged with business activities by attending routine meetings with key stakeholders.

8. Carry out company policies regarding procurement practices, standards and ethical conduct to ensure a fair, effective, and competitive sourcing process throughout the organization.

9.Work with senior procurement managers and Management Systems to initiate, develop and implement procurement process improvements, in line with the Gerdau Business Systems philosophy.

10. Under the direction of senior procurement personnel, work with local and regional procurement and operations personnel to implement inventory policies for assigned categories.

11. Update monthly commodity reports and presentations for the Procurement Manager.