Category Manager

Job Title:             Category Manager  

FLSA Status:       Exempt 

Group:                 Regular – Full Time 

Department:      Supply Chain 

Location:             Houston, TX 

About Cooper Machinery Services: 

Cooper Machinery Services provides natural gas compression equipment and services to customers globally in the Oil & Gas, Power, Transportation, and Marine sectors. With a proud heritage dating back to 1833, Cooper Machinery Services is the OEM for legendary product lines including Cooper-Bessemer™, Ajax™, Superior™, Gemini, TSI, CSI, Enterprise, and Joy. Headquartered in Houston, TX, but with commercial and services hubs around the world, Cooper Machinery Services provides world-class services to more than 22,000 units in its installed base. 

Our strength is our people. Each employee plays an integral role in our success and growth. With a commitment to our vision that strong relationships drive strong results and better business, our people make Cooper Machinery Services legendary. 

Job Overview: 

The Category Manager will be responsible for strategic management of $50MM of direct annual spend. The successful candidate will work closely with engineering, quality, buyers, sales / operations managers, and project managers.  Evaluate theexisting supplier base and develop new suppliers to support aggressive growth initiatives.  Requires a blend of technical and business expertise as well as solid interpersonal and negotiation skills to lead both internally and externally. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

The Category Manager will be responsible for the following: 

• Responsible for developing a sourcing strategy, including Make vs Buy decisions,& supplier management for the categories of castings, machined parts, raw materials, and outside processing
• Coordinate & lead supplier business reviews and scorecards; including managing overall supplier relationships, performance, capability, to drive cost and quality improvements.
• Maintain capability matrix for all key suppliers, making sure an effective supply base is available to meet organizational needs
• Manage Direct spend categories:
• Raw Materials (e.g., metals, castings)
• Semi-finished, Turn-key Machined Components 
• Subcontracted Services (outsourced manufacturing, coating, etc)
• Understand, negotiate & align terms for blanket purchase ordersand parts/service contracts.
• Continuously analyze spend, identify cost-saving opportunities, and implement strategies to reduce cost.
• In conjunction with supplier quality, manage and resolve supplier non-conformances

• Serve as a subject matter expert to coach/advise other functional areas within the business 

• Maintains a safe and healthy work environment by implementing, maintaining and aligning company policies that adhere to local, state and federal environmental, health and safety regulations 

Required Qualifications: 

• Must have the ability to read Geometric Dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) on a manufacturing drawings and material specifications
• Ability to drive technical solutions both internally and externally
• Experience leading and managing a global supply base
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management or related field from an accredited University or institution preferred
• Minimum 5 years of experience in category management or strategic sourcing role with experience in Oil & Gas or manufacturing preferred 
• Proficient project management, communication, negotiationand presentation skills
• SAP experience preferred 
• Experience developing, leading, and executing global commodity strategies focused on supplier cost, risk, and lead time reduction strategies.
• Technical, analytical, and management skills to lead RFQs, supplier selection, supplier capacity planning, and supplier risk identification/mitigation
• Ability to be a self-starter and work independently to achieve overall goals 
• Domestic and international travel may be required.

Summary: 

Join our dynamic and innovative team at Cooper Machinery Services where we value our employees by offering competitive benefits and a supportive work environment.

Benefits/Health and Wellness:

• All benefits effective on first day of employment
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health support
• Tuition Reimbursement up to lifetime maximum of $50,000
• 401(k) match up to 5%. Employees are 100% vested in the 401(K) on Day 1.
• Company Paid Basic Life, Basic Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Short Term and Long-Term disability.
• Maternity and Parental leave benefits
• Arc Fertility Benefits
• Wellness Programs
• Onsite Fitness Gym at the Houston, TX headquarters

Cooper Machinery Services is an equal opportunity employer and gives all qualified applicants consideration of employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.