Category Manager (Procurement) at Japan Tobacco International (JTI)

Position Purpose:

The position exists to support managing the procurement activities for the relevant category within own location following the Cluster/Global category strategies and identifying alternative if required.

This role has the following main dimensions:

• Act as set category liaison for Cluster Category Manager
• Participate in financial planning and deliver benefits/value within perimeter of action
• Drive ad hoc cost optimization and continuous improvement initiatives
• Apply Category Management principles, and coordinate Local implementation plans as per Global/Regional/Cluster directions
• Ensure business connectivity and foster collaborative business partnership with specific stakeholders
• Manage SRM with key local suppliers in full coordination with Global/Regional/Cluster directions
• Ensure Cluster alignment and compliance with strategies

Main Areas of Responsibility

Category Managment Strategy:

• The incumbent is responsible for procurement activities of the appointed business category within own location.
• Acts as set category liaison for Cluster Category Manager.
• Rolls-out appropriate strategies setforth by the Cluster Category Manager, provides sound direction for appointed category and ensures close collaboration with all local stakeholers.
• Applies Category Management principles, develop and coordinate Local implementation plans as per Cluster directions.
• Works in close collaboration with Cluster Category Manager to provide local insights on Global Strategy definition and ensure that suppliers' list is managed in the most efficient & effective manner.
• Participates in financial planning and deliver benefits/value within their perimeter of action.

Suppliers' Management:

• Identifies and manages local suppliers' pool. Negotiates strategic contracts and ensures optimum and sustainable supply conditions.
• Recommends timely strategic decisions where relevant to prevent procurement inefficiencies.
• Ensures sustainability of supply and effective supplier relationship management throughout the supply chain.
• Demonstrates ability to challenge status quo, proposes and runs projects that will add value to both Procurement and business functions.
• Manages SRM with key suppliers in full coordination with Global/Regional/Cluster directions.
• Supports building of innovative & Sustainabile strategy with local suppliers and promotes any ideas that could represent a competitive advantage for JTI.

KPIs & Targets:

• Achieves set Procurement negotiation targets and KPIs.
• Plans and delivers Savings targets. Develops and recommends strategic sourcing plan/decisions.
• Leads and /or supports supplier bidding processes in close cooperation with respective business partners to ensure best combination of quality, cost and service parameters / conditions for products and services are attained.
• Drives strategy implementation at local level for assigned category and monitors performance.
• Ensures corrective actions are taken when required.
• Drives ad hoc cost optimization and continuous improvement initiatives.

Business Partnership:

• Ensure business connectivity and foster collaborative business partnership with specific stakeholders.
• Focuses on demonstrating value of Business Partnership, by developing a customer-oriented approach.
• Aligns strategy with key business partners and ensures it meets Business' priorities.
• Establishes alignment and effective communication among procurement organization, business partners and suppliers.
• Takes preventive actions to avoid supply issues and resolves problems in due time.
• Act as a main contact person for hosted location Management Team to address Procurement related aspects.
• Assumes responsibilities for additional projects, tasks as assigned by his/her superior and reflect core behaviors in all aspects of work.

 Market Intelligence:

• Shares Category intelligence, identifies trends and opportunities.
• Applies best practices in procurement process management by utilizing latest models and takes necessary actions for areas of improvement.
• Conducts supply risk assessments, builds contingency plans,
• Finds alternative ideas, solutions in securing best conditions for the company including extensive market research and proactive sourcing of innovative suppliers.

Job Requirement

Education: 

• University degree in Finance / Supply Chain / Procurement

Work experience:

• Minimum 3 years experience in similar environment in a multinational company

Language Skills: 

• English (business language) other language is an asset (local language based on location).

Functional Skills:

• Strategic thinking
• Effective Negotiations and Communication, Interpersonal skills
• Financial analysis
• Leadership skills, Management of internal and external parties
• Business environment knowledge
• Decision making, identifying and applying efficiencies
• MS Office tools and SAP