Sourcing Category Manager

Job Description

Description

SUMMARY:

The Sourcing Category Manager will partner with the business to strategically manage spend for the various categories, develop category-sourcing strategies, and lead cross-functional teams to execute the sourcing and supplier management strategy to minimize cost, leverage purchasing volume, mitigate risk, and improve product/service quality and effectiveness. This position requires seasoned experience with strategic sourcing methodologies related to market and spend analysis, as well as working closely with the business to build a category roadmap, perform sourcing activities, lead contract negotiations, and award to supplier.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Strategize with business unit leaders and stakeholders to identify and lead major spend initiatives and opportunities to achieve cost reduction targets, help to develop new cost reduction strategies, and improve negotiable spend via sourcing and demand management
• Propose and drive opportunities for optimal cost savings through analysis of current spend and external category analysis and benchmarking
• Lead or facilitate supplier selection, Request for Information (RFI), Request for Quotation (RFQ), and/or Request for Proposal (RFP) projects and negotiation processes to deliver agreements that include excellent long-term pricing models, measurable service level/performance criteria, effective remedies for non-performance, mechanisms for monitoring performance/remedies, etc.
• Use data analytics, industry benchmarking, and strategic sourcing methodologies to develop sourcing strategies in collaboration with stakeholders and execute deals within agreed-upon timelines
• Facilitate the development of programs to control and automate appropriate categories, ensure adherence to purchasing policy, and challenge noncompliance in a constructive manner, as well as educate users on the policy
• Partner with the Legal team to ensure negotiations result in optimal terms
• Work with internal staff and other departments as a team player to provide regular and timely updates of key projects to achieve desired goals.
• Effectively communicate the mission of Strategic Sourcing and educate internal stakeholders: must be able to understand and interpret the difference between what stakeholder asks for, what they actually need, and what contracts/buying arrangement may already exist to serve those needs
• Ability to think both strategically and tactically; the ideal candidate will manage commodity areas from high-level definition of pricing strategy to the management of purchase orders.

EDUCATION & REQUIREMENTS:

• BA/BS degree in finance, accounting, information systems supply chain management, or other related field. MBA a plus
• 10+ years’ experience in purchasing-related background, including technology categories and contracts, terms, and negotiation
• Knowledgeable in competitive bidding and pricing
• Knowledgeable in ERP and SaaS applications
• Demonstrated experience collaborating and working cross-functionally with technology, legal, and operation teams and confidence in dealing with other departments, outside representatives, and upper management
• Excellent communication, analytical, leadership, and negotiating skills

Why Guitar Center? Here’s just some of the rewards:

For our employees who are musicians we offer the unique opportunity of gig leave—take time off to share your music with the world and return to your job after your tour! Guitar Center offers robust benefits and perks, including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K plus company match, mental health support, paid sick/holiday/vacation time, employee discount program, and tuition reimbursement options.

Pay Rate: $85,000- $100,000/yr depending on background and experience. 

This position is eligible to participate in the Guitar Center Company bonus program based on Company performance 

The job posting is not necessarily reflective of actual compensation that may be earned, nor a promise of any specific pay for any specific employee, which is always dependent on actual experience, education, and other factors. The pay range(s) listed are provided in compliance with state specific laws. Pay ranges may be different in other locations.

About Guitar Center 

Guitar Center embodies the world of creativity and music by encouraging our teammates to find their own individual sound. We strive to craft lifelong musicians and make a difference in the world by enabling musicians and non-musicians alike to experience the almost indescribable happiness that comes from playing an instrument. We believe in putting our customers first, engaging with respect and integrity and fulfilling our mission with passion. 

Why join us? 

With a career at Guitar Center, you become part of the world’s largest multichannel musical instrument retailer. Whether at our Stores, Contact Centers, Distribution Centers, or Support Center, Guitar Center employees have a common goal: to help people find their sound and fill the world with more music. 

Love this gig and want to apply? 

Send your resume and cover letter today along with salary expectations! 

Guitar Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides fair and equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status prohibited under Federal, State, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on valid job‐related requirements. 

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website, you may request a reasonable accommodation to express interest in a specific opening. You can request reasonable accommodation by calling 1‐818-735-8800 ext. 2862 or by sending an email to [email protected].