Category Manager - Regional Purchasing Manager- Live Goods

Job DetailsLevel: ManagementJob Location: Naples, FL 34109Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $80,000.00 - $120,000.00 SalaryTravel Percentage: Up to 25%Job Shift: Monday - Friday Day ShiftJob Category: Inventory Job Summary                                                                                                                                                                                          

Moon Valley Nurseries is seeking a Category Manager to cover our Southeast region. The Category Manager will lead, direct, and manage the procurement function and large-quantity purchases across the organization, and is responsible for all aspects of purchasing, coordinating, scheduling and optimizing inventory levels. The Category Manager will provide guidance and support to ensure the success of the procurement function. 

 

 

 Key Duties and Responsibilities                                                                                                                                                          


Lead effort to lower the cost and secure agreement for goods and services
Lead effort to ensure continuity of supply and reduce supply chain risks
Work closely with operations team to identify and fulfill needs on a proactive basis
Represent the company in negotiating pricing and supply contracts with vendors
Prepare purchase requisitions, approve and issue purchase orders and subcontracts in accordance with company policy and negotiated terms and conditions
Order materials and services as per negotiated and appropriately approved
Maintain procurement files
Track activity and measurements and prepare management reports
Lead in developing and implementing purchasing strategies and policies
Responsible for planning, developing, and buying materials, supplies, and equipment in a timely and cost-effective way while maintaining appropriate quality
Participate in the development of specifications for equipment and materials
Lead and facilitate effective communication between all departments regarding purchasing
Establish and manage effective relationships
Liaise with the Finance Department to ensure accurate and timely payment of invoices as necessary for the business with the supplier
Assess current supply base on an ongoing basis and recommend changes or alternatives that could reduce purchase cost or add higher value
Establish priorities and in the case of schedule slippages or non-conforming material, establish the necessary corrective action
Responsible for building comprehensive sourcing and purchasing strategies
Partner with sales, production, and operations to forecast demand and develop enhanced forecasting techniques and processes
Coordinate with quality, manufacturing, production, and sales to determine product and service requirements and to ensure purchasing specifications are clearly defined
Explore the market for new sources of supply in anticipation of need or when specific advantage is available
Approve and or challenge vendor invoices to verify cost accuracy in the system
All other duties as required


 
QualificationsQualifications: Knowledge, Skills & Abilities                                                                                             


Familiar with heavy equipment and vehicle contracts and leases
8+ years’ experience purchasing, planning, and inventory controls, with at least 4 years of purchasing manager experience
Nursery Broker experience
Strong negotiation experience
Experience purchasing nursery products
Experience with setting up annual vendor evaluations and competitive bid processes
Experience with managing multi-state corporations, with over $50M in annual payables
Proactive and organized work style
Excellent verbal and written skills, supported by strong interpersonal skills
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
Team player combined with ability to work independently and adapt to change
The individual will need to successfully interact with other internal departments to be successful in this position
Proven experience in influencing replenishment objectives, supplier selection, management of scorecard metrics, negotiation of contracts, improving all aspects of supplier agreements
Provide leadership, mentoring, and skill development for a team of purchasing professionals
Ability to multi-task


 

 

Education                                                                                                                                                                                            

BS in Supply Chain Management or equivalent experience 

 

 Physical requirements/Working Conditions                                                                                                                                   

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This po