Direct Material Category Manager - Emerging Markets

Business Unit: GE Industrial, Advanced MaterialsFunction: SourcingResponsibilities: * Understand total spend, pricing structure, commercial terms and trends for raw materials with particular knowledge of market dynamics and supply chain. Leverage the market knowledge and drivers to improve GE Silicones ability to source these important raw materials from Emerging Markets.
Responsible for driving the strategic direction for the procurement of raw materials purchased from Emerging Markets that are used in the manufacturing of silicone products. Partner with European and Asian operations to execute on the global raw material strategy. Partner with business leaders, suppliers and customers to develop innovative sourcing arrangements to reduce costs and risks; negotiate complex contracts for procurement of these strategic materials
Develop robust logistics scheduling and tracking, forecasting and inventory control procurement processes to ensure on-time delivery of materials for the America's Manufacturing Operations. Develop an understanding of product lines, market strategy, competition, technology, to establish the link between raw material and product pricing
Lead cross-functional business activities that identify, qualify, negotiate and successfully implement new suppliers, materials or manufacturing processes in order to ensure surety of supply, deflation, and business profitability. Provide Leadership to Technology in the new product introductions with regards to raw materials utilization, new sources and supplier's selection/qualification in the Emerging Market Countries that fit with product strategy
Utilize Six Sigma and Lean tools to continuously improve the sourcing processes and to drive supplier productivity projects. Drive zero supplier defect supplier performance. Implement rigorous supplier scorecards to measure suppliers.
Establish supplier development program for Emerging Market suppliers to ensure continuous improvement in product quality, EHS performance, on-time delivery and quality certifications.
REQUIREMENTS
Qualifications: The ideal candidate will be a proven successful internationally experienced professional who has had strategic procurement responsibility for a minimum of 5 years with similar types of raw materials and market dynamics especially as it pertains to knowledge of the silicon metal industry or related products. This candidate will possess technical skills in chemical industry, including transportation, foreign trade regulations, manufacturing operations and procurement as well as strong knowledge of chemistry. Proven and demonstrated successful experience and ability to think strategically about procurement in the context of GE's overall business strategy, being able to communicate that effectively.
Strong ability to continually assess the strategic direction of key raw material industries and adapt the procurement strategy to meet the key needs of the business by quickly understanding competitive issues, industry trends and other key external factors.
Proven track record for innovative approaches resulting in "game-changing" opportunities which placed the business in a competitively advantaged position in the market.
BS/MS in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering or related field of study.
Strong influencing and leadership skills with demonstrated ability to effectively work within a matrix environment.
Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.
Strong analytical skills, including cost analysis, financial skills and contracts.
Fluency in English. Proficiency in other language preferred.General: GE is an equal opportunity employer, offering a great work environment, challenging career opportunities, professional training and competitive compensation.The United States has regulations that govern the hiring of current or former U.S. Government employees. If you currently work for (or have in the past) the U.S. Government (in any capacity), you may have certain responsibilities under these regulations and certain restrictions may apply to your potential employment with GE. Therefore, if you are contacted by GE regarding a position of employment, and you have worked for the U.S. Government at any time, please immediately inform the GE representative of this fact.