Wahl Clipper Corporation, a global manufacturer of branded Consumer and Professional products, has an exciting opportunity for an energetic and team-oriented individual to fill the role of Purchasing/Category Manager at our headquarters in Sterling, IL.

The Purchasing/Category Manager will be responsible for supplier management, supplier sourcing and category management duties within assigned categories of spend. This position manages both value and risk within the supply base and ensures that supplier pricing, processes, and quality meet or exceed business requirements. Primary categories of responsibility will include cords, shaver parts, transformers, batteries, motors, PCBA and MIM blades. Secondary miscellaneous categories will be assigned as required.   

Key Job Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop and implement effective sourcing strategies of assigned categories through analysis and linkage to company requirements.
• Develop and maintain a deep understanding and knowledge of assigned category products/markets, supplier input costs and their potential impact on company performance.
• Regularly perform detailed analysis (exchange rates, trade compliance, industry capacity, price trending data) and other relevant information for assigned categories.
• Provide appropriate and timely visuals for the Gemba process.
• Develop, communicate and implement short & long-term category strategies to lower total cost of ownership and mitigate risk to the company.
• Develop and manage a cost savings project pipeline that will deliver YOY savings to the company.
• Lead cross-functional sourcing projects including new supplier development, new material trials and other related to assigned categories. Work closely, collaboratively with all internal stakeholders.
• Provide alternate materials/supplier recommendations, which may bring competitive advantage or enhanced risk management to the company. Work closely with stakeholders to develop new trial and approval processes.
• Develop and publish reports/dashboards relative to assigned categories (management team, finance, other). Responsible for overall performance of suppliers in assigned categories.
• Effectively manage supplier selection process to meet category strategy, quality, service, cost, risk mitigation and supplier performance goals.
• Drive the supply base to continually develop and implement process improvements and provide meaningful value to the company.
• Collaborate with multiple departments to address performance, quality and other issues with suppliers within assigned categories. Manage supplier root cause and corrective action process.
• Manage new product development within assigned categories. Collaborate and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure all expectations are met for a product launch.
• Develop and manage product transitions that effect inventories. Be pro-active in managing possible obsolescence and develop disposition plans in collaboration with all internal stakeholders.
• Liaise with suppliers to ensure stability within the supply chain and product availability at all times. Proactively communicate potential supply disruptions and contingency plans.
• Work closely with Compliance department to ensure all suppliers within assigned categories are compliant.