Category Manager - US Tech Solutions, Inc.

*Note: Position is hybrid in Louisville, KY or Allentown, PA. Remote candidates will be accepted however preference in candidates local to the KY or PA location.

·       The purpose of this job is to manage the acquisition of a variety of corporate requirements, and issue contractual commitments with an estimated value of up to $25 million per year. This position is authorized to make award decisions up to $50,000 on any individual procurement before requiring additional management review.

·       Responsible for procuring materials and services at the best evaluated total cost of ownership and assuring quality and schedule compliance in accordance with the end user's requirements.

·       In addition, this position administers contracts, determines inventory parameters, conducts negotiations, performs market, price, and financial analyses, develops internal customer and supplier relationships, and drives continuous improvement and productivity with suppliers and customers. This position works independently with minimal supervision.

Primary Responsibilities:

Manage the procurement process from specification/definition of need through contract administration. Evaluate sources of supply and develop optimal pricing methodology and warranty protection. Utilize the most strategic sourcing method (alliance, auction, blanket, contract, master service agreement, purchase order) to acquire the necessary products and services at the maximum level of savings in support of indirect sourcing team.

·       Coordinate with Category Managers to identify and incorporate appropriate levels of commercial protection, and conduct negotiations to achieve the optimal business results for the company.

·       Analyze and develop company position on claims and disputes, and subsequently consult with senior Sourcing management to resolve/negotiate claims and disputes associated with procurements.

·       Identify new sources of supply, and potentially acceptable new products/technologies.

·       Establish/maintain professional relationships with suppliers/partners, based on the highest ethical business practices as set forth in the Standards of Conduct and Integrity and Supply Chain Polices.

Basic Qualifications:

·       Two to four years of experience in any or several supply chain elements such as buying, logistics, investment recovery, inventory replenishment, master catalog maintenance, MRP, DRP, etc.

·       Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree.

·       Strong technology skills in instant messaging (MS Teams), project management, video and web conferencing (Zoom & MS Teams), and document sharing tools (MS OneDrive and Teams).

·       Experience in IT indirect sourcing and procurement – This includes Software Licensing Agreements, SAAS Agreements, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:

·       Experience in Cybersecurity contract experience would be preferred.

·       Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

·       Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and databases.

·       Negotiation and analytical skills.

·       Effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.

·       Demonstrated problem-assessment and problem-solving skills.

·       Strong customer service focus, with ability to build credibility with internal clients and external suppliers.