Overview

The Company

Survitec is the world’s most trusted company for critical safety and survival solutions. We ensure that our customers operate with the most appropriate safety and survival equipment for their people across the Marine and Defence industries. We are renowned in each of the sectors we operate as being industry pioneers, introducing new and innovative technologies to ensure our products are the best available.

Job Summary

We are looking for a Group Category Manager to manage approximately 25M£ of Group annual spend in the procurement categories of Metal and Assembled Products for Survitec’s businesses for Marine and Defence Life-Saving products.

These would include: Metal – Gas Cylinders, Valves, Metal Fabrication (Cutting, bending and welding) C-Parts, Precision Machined parts and assemblies and Valves, Tubes, Pumps, Compressors and Generators

Assembled Parts – Compressors, Generators, Pumps and Inflation equipment

The CGM is responsible for managing Procurement Categories improving the Supplier-base operational performances year on year, whilst mitigating market and supply risks, in-line with a formalised Category Strategy developed with the global team and based on:

  • a deep understanding of their products and processes and related Pricing Cost-Breakdowns
  • a deep understanding of the Survitec Business
  • a thorough and up to date knowledge of Worldwide Supplier Capabilities
  • the Total Costs of supply with vendors around the world
  • Supplier Panel (Quality, Cost, Delivery, Innovation, Support) QCDIS performance versus Survitec Requirements

Key Responsibilities

  • Plan, project and achieve In-Year Savings Budget & KPI targets at group level as well as at individual site level
  • Build Savings plans working on Total Cost by unit price reduction and consumption reduction
  • Analyse data or insights to determine industry and Survitec trends
  • Develop and communicate formalised Category Strategies with input and buy-in from all stake-holders around the world, from Management to Buyers as well as other functions to ensure continuous improvement in QCDIS
  • Lead negotiations with highest spend Suppliers in the Category and support Sites with their negotiations
  • Prepare annual negotiations with the Commodity Coordination group
  • To understand and support the various Survitec business requirements
  • Foster long-term relationships with highest performing suppliers, converging on Survitec strategic imperatives
  • Hold (at least) bi-annual Business Reviews with suppliers to set and manage targets and operational issues
  • Implement processes and procedures providing a framework for purchasing on a national and international basis
  • Ensure formalised contracts, with negotiated prices, costs, payment terms, service level agreements, termination clauses and other T&Cs are in place for all Suppliers
  • Track metal pricing trends and communicate with the group procurement network

Requirements

  • BSc/BA in business administration, engineering, marketing or related field
  • Proven experience as category manager or similar role
  • Solid knowledge of category management, supplier marketing and supplier management a multi-site, multi-country International Group of companies, at corporate level, preferably in an Industrial context
  • Team player with initiative and a positive attitude
  • A leader able to convince and motivate
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with all levels of the organization
  • Strong ability to effectively manage in a matrix organizational structure working with multiple internal stakeholders
  • Understanding and experience in data analysis and forecasting methods
  • PC Literate and proficiency in MS Office (particular emphasis on Microsoft Excel, Word & PowerPoint)
  • An analytical mind with a strategic ability
  • The ability to present complex information in clear, concise visual format
  • Excellent negotiation, communication and people skills
  • Results orientated, excellent analytical, process and problem-solving skills
  • English is a must, another European language is a plus
  • Up to 35% Travel abroad – to Survitec Sites, Suppliers, Trade-Fairs
  • A current valid driving license