Category Manager Preparation Equipment North America

We have a current opening for a Category Manager Preparation Equipment North America, and are actively reviewing applications.

•    To define/deploy the Global Category Strategy for Procurement Category of competence, in order to optimize costs, maximize supply, quality and pursuit continuous improvement of service level;
•    To proactively manage internal and external stakeholders, communicated in a transparent and effective way and interact fairly and following Ferrero Ethic code and Ferrero Code of Business;
•    To scout potential region / continental Suppliers eligible to be qualified and eventually to be proposed as Group Suppliers in order to support needs of North American’ industrial footprint.  
•    To define and/or to manage the list of Global Partners: with each of them to negotiate the Global Master Agreements and the International Price List, to settle down Strategic Scenarios and the Relationship System (key people, tools, yearly agendas, T2T meetings) 
•    To manage Strategic Negotiations, by Project and/or by Contract, and sourcing events with focus at North America area and in relation to Process Equipment category, in order to optimize the industrial result of Ferrero Group Companies
•    To define Ferrero Preparation Equipment Category Strategy road-map with focus on implementing and/or facilitating related projects stream (i.e. S2P Program, Equipment Standardization, Process Equipment Category Vision, projects)   

PREPARATION EQUIPMENT CATEGORY STRATEGY

Definition, sharing and relative implementation of Preparation Equipment Procurement Strategy, starting from:
1.    Market Trends 
2.    Spending Analysis
3.    Supplier Portfolio Analysis and Segmentation, Risk Analysis
4.    Category Strategy Ambition, Vision and road-map definition
5.    Road-map implementation and KPIs monitoring

In coherence and full alignment with Ferrero Strategic Plan (Budget/PS3) and with overall Preparation Equipment category road-map, always keeping in consideration technical and technologic developments and potential industrial constraints both at Central and Local level.

CATEGORY STRATEGIES IMPLEMENTATION

In addition to the definition of the Preparation Equipment Procurement Strategy and the following implementation plan, Category Manager has the objective also to ensure the implementation plan for North America throughout the road-map and targets defined at Central Level for Equipment Standardization, Best Cost Country Scouting, Strategic Sourcing.

SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT (focus on North America perimeter)

To manage Global Partners entities (Supplier’s HQs or Local branches) for Preparation Equipment and overall, as indirect responsibility, for with specific reference to North America Area, rationalizing existing central and local portfolio in accordance with Central Categories guidelines and introducing new potential regional ones eventually escalating them at Group level in cooperation with Project Engineering, Resident Engineering and Maintenance Team.

To ensure the Supplier knowledge under a technical, organizational, economic and financial perspective monitoring the Supplier portfolio from a Responsible Sourcing perspective.

STAKEHOLDERS MANAGEMENT

To ensure the correct implementation and development of managed category through the collaboration with main internal stakeholders (Operations and Maintenance Teams), acting at Central Level in coherence with Technical Procurement function and following Preparation Equipment category strategies and principles.

CATEGORY MANAGEMENT AND STRATEGIC SOURCING

Cooperates with Technical Engineering and Central Maintenance Department in the sourcing process for the category managed at Group level and, regionally, for the extended Preparation Equipment, ensuring the analysis, evaluation and negotiation of the offers received, proposes qualified and trustable alternatives for the specific sourcing, in order to gain the maximum possible benefit in terms of industrial costs, quality, delivery timings and service level.

SCOUTING (focus on North America perimeter)

Focus on North America as far as Preparation Equipment scouting activities of new suppliers and technology innovation according to Procurement guidelines and in support to Area Procurement.

MARKET KNOWLEDGE 

Continuous technical and market update on Category under responsibility, with the goal of a full knowledge of global market, through participation to Industry Fairs and Workshops and the aim to identify and potentially introduce within Supplier Group perimeter, technologies, and Partners with direct focus on improving Service Level for the entire Organization.

•    Strong English oral and written communication skills
•    Strong analytical skills
•    Leadership Skills
•    Technical Skills
•    Proven Negotiation skills
•    Knowledge of Microsoft Programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
•    Knowledge of procurement process
•    Knowledge of contractual agreements
•    Knowledge of other languages is a plus
•    Knowledge or experience in CPG Companies Procurement and/or Industrial functions is a plus
4-7 years of experience 

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
As part of our recruitment process, Ferrero may use artificial intelligence (AI) enabled tools to assist with reviewing candidate applications. These tools are used solely to support recruiters by summarizing application information and identifying potential alignment with job requirements. AI does not independently screen out or select candidates, and it does not replace human judgment. Final decisions regarding candidate progression are always made by Ferrero recruiters and hiring managers.

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The base salary range for this position is $122,030.00 - $162,707.00 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors permitted by law. This range represents the anticipated salary for this position at this time. 

In addition to base salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other benefits.

Ferrero began its journey in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world’s largest sweet-packaged food companies, with many iconic brands sold in countries all over the world. Find out more about Ferrero at ferrero.com.

Ferrero is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all our people are equally talented in their own way. In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at Ferrero. The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative, and highly rewarding.
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Ferrero is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable human rights laws. Ferrero will recruit, hire, train, and promote all persons without regard to race, creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity), religion, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, or history of disability (except where physical or mental abilities are a bona fide occupational requirement and the individual is not able to perform the essential functions of the position even with reasonable accommodations), citizenship, or any other protected characteristic. 

Ferrero will accommodate the needs of applicants with disabilities throughout all stages of the selection process. If you need accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise the People & Organization (HR) Representative. Information relating to the need for accommodation and accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.