Global Category Manager

Xylem is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company dedicated to advancing sustainable impact and empowering the people who make water work every day. As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem is at the forefront of addressing the world's most critical water challenges. We invite passionate individuals to join our team, dedicated to exceeding customer expectations through innovative and sustainable solutions.

Job Summary:
The Procurement Manager is responsible for overseeing the entire procurement management system within the organization. This role involves developing and implementing procurement policies and procedures, managing a team of procurement professionals, and ensuring that procurement activities meet or exceed company objectives. The Procurement Manager conducts regular audits, reviews procurement performance data, and collaborates with other departments to drive continuous improvement initiatives. Key responsibilities include managing procurement documentation, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations, and reporting on procurement performance to senior leadership.

**Responsibilities**:
Procurement Strategy:

- Developing long-term and short-term procurement goals
- Creating and implementing sourcing strategies
- Identifying opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement
- Establishing and maintaining supplier relationships
- Evaluating and selecting suppliers based on quality, cost, and reliability
- Ensuring procurement processes align with company goals and objectives

Supplier Management:

- Conducting supplier performance evaluations
- Negotiating contracts and pricing with suppliers
- Managing supplier relationships and addressing any issues that arise
- Ensuring suppliers meet quality and delivery standards
- Evaluating potential new suppliers and maintaining a diverse supplier base

Inventory Management:

- Monitoring inventory levels and forecasting future needs
- Optimizing inventory levels to minimize costs and ensure availability
- Managing relationships with third-party logistics providers
- Implementing inventory control measures to prevent loss or damage

Budget and Cost Control:

- Creating and managing the procurement budget
- Tracking and analyzing procurement expenses
- Identifying cost-saving opportunities and implementing strategies to reduce costs
- Ensuring all procurement activities are within budget and in line with company financial goals.

Team Management:

- Lead and manage a team, providing guidance, feedback, and support.
- Set goals and KPIs for team members and monitor performance.
- Foster a positive and collaborative work environment.
- Develop and implement training programs to keep team members updated on trends and strategies.

High Impact Behaviors:

- Strategic Decision-Making: A manager must be able to assess complex situations, consider long-term implications, and make decisions that align with the organization’s vision and goals. This involves critical thinking, foresight, and the ability to balance various stakeholders’ interests.
- Effective Communication: Clear and transparent communication is vital for a manager. This includes articulating vision, expectations, and feedback in a way that motivates and engages team members. It also involves active listening and openness to input from all levels of the organization.
- Fostering Team Growth: A high-impact manager invests in the development of their team members. This behavior includes mentoring, providing opportunities for professional growth, and creating an environment where continuous learning is encouraged and valued.

Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field, with at least 5 years experience., with at least 2 years experience as a people manager or equivalent work experience that provides exposure to fundamental theories, principles, and concepts.
- Proven experience in import/export operations with significant supervisory experience.
- Expert-level understanding of advanced failure analysis techniques.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills to identify issues and develop effective solutions.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills to report findings and make recommendations.
- Strong analytical skills to interpret complex data and translate it into actionable insights.
- Proficiency in data analysis tools and software, such as Excel, Google Analytics, and various CRM platforms.
- Experience with digital marketing strategies, including SEO, PPC, and SEM campaigns.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present findings clearly and persuasively.
- A strategic thinker with a test-and-learn approach to marketing efforts and process improvements.
- Resource Allocation: Allocate personnel, tools, and other resources efficiently to achieve project goals. Balance competing priorities and adapt as needed.
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