Category Coordinator

Job Code

30001014

Basic Function

The Category Coordinator is responsible for sourcing and contracting of products and/or services as defined by the assigned categories.

Scope

The Category Coordinator will be in charge of delivering sourcing benefits to the end users (availability, quality, price competitiveness) for the goods and/or services for the categories under responsibility.

The person in this role will lead the development and execution of sourcing strategies for the assigned categories, through cross functional category teams. He/she will be in charge of managing and developing suppliers’ performance and relationships. He/she will be responsible for portfolio management in their category, with the goal of executing organizational goals in relation to cost, quality, access, and customer satisfaction.

Principal Contacts

Category Coordinator reports to Senior Category Coordinator.

Internal interactions:

• daily with Associate Category Coordinator(s) reporting to him/her to ensure daily tasks are fulfilled, and provide supervision / oversight.
• regularly with Buyers to support day to day transactional activities (when required)
• regularly with the Director Purchasing and other Supply Chain leaders related to category materials / services
• regularly with end users, medical and clinical staff to define requirements, co-lead sourcing activities, troubleshooting issues and conducting value analysis, materials or service evaluations, customer satisfaction and service requirements
• ad hoc with finance and legal department including budgeting and compliance requirements

External interactions:

• regularly with category suppliers; more frequently during sourcing / spend management activities (RFP process) while negotiating contract set up.   
• regularly with suppliers to coordinate sourcing/spend management activities
• regularly with suppliers and external partners in the review of performance metrics and service levels
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Principal Duties

The individual will lead a cross-functional team on behalf of the corporation with the ultimate goal of achieving the best combination of quality, service and price for the corresponding categories

Main duties are as following:

Leadership and Management Responsibilities

• Manage Associate Category Coordinator(s), supervise activities performed by the team members, and handle administrative HR topics
• Evaluate performance of team members, provide guidance and counseling on career development, identify skill development needs and encourage team members to fulfill them
• Contribute to recruitment, motivate and develop staff in the team to ensure development of necessary skills base and that all staff are enabled to reach their highest potential
• Interact with stakeholders across the organization to define strategic goals and ensure they are achieved

Principal Duties (cont'd)

Operational  Responsibilities

• Collect, consolidate and standardize end users’ requirements for managed categories
• Collect and understand all current category specifications
• Develop and maintain sourcing plan  
• Liaise with divisions and functions to align with the overall strategy and needs, ensuring procurement's ongoing value contribution
• Respond to users enquires and resolve problems in accordance to procedures
• Develop category procurement strategy, goals and savings targets in line with company strategy and procurement best-practices
• Evaluate strategies based on up to date supplier market analysis, category analysis and category risk analysis while adapting to changing market conditions
• Prepare a detailed Request for Proposal (RFP), manage RFP process and analyze RFP responses in collaboration with end users (cross functional team)
• Negotiate and finalize deals with suppliers – in collaboration with end users - and prepare business case for approval by Senior Director Supply Chain Management and budget holder(s)
• Plan and initiate integration of suppliers and contracts
• Lead category management activities, including internal and external analysis
• Work with CoE (center of excellence) to ensure effective risk and compliance management with regards to category management
• Directly manage relationship with suppliers, measure their performance and implement corrective actions
• Coordinate and facilitate routine meetings with customers, Associate Category Coordinators, Buyers and other appropriate stakeholders.
• Direct the appropriate selection of distribution stream for materials and goods
• Ensure appropriate legal and organizational policies are followed in the contracting of goods and services
• Comprehensively manage the portfolio of contracts and agreements within the category including expirations, newly created/ requested, changes, and terminations.
• Oversee and facilitate routine upward communication between Purchasing and category management to optimize contract spend.
• Attend routine organizational and department meetings.
• Meet established department Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and individual annual goals and metrics.
• Maintain all safety and security measures per organizational policies.

Education

Bachelor’s degree required.

Experience

• 5 years of related experience, preferably with at least 1 year of category-specific experience
• Experience in category management or strategic sourcing and pricing and contract negotiations; negotiation aptitude or other business-related experience.
• Experience in supervising staff and / or leading teams through oversight and direction.

Certifications/Other requirements as applicable

• Financial and analytical acumen.
• Strong supplier relationship development and industry experience preferred
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Spoken English is required. Knowledge of Arabic is preferred
• Intermediate to Advanced skills in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel & Microsoft Powerpoint. Basic functionality in Microsoft Access is preferred.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently as a decision maker.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including international communications
• Experience in customer service; preferably health care specific interactions
• Enterprise Resource Planning system experience (specifically SAP) is preferred
• Intermediate to advanced experience with contract terms and conditions. Knowledge of Middle Eastern or KSA contracting / legal requirements a plus.
• Experience with multiple information systems and / or databases