Category Manager- Labs

JOB DESCRIPTION
This role is hybrid on-site at our Northbrook, IL corporate office (3) days a week
Reporting to the Senior Manager - Global Strategic Sourcing, this role will lead the development and execution of category plans for across the UL Solutions enterprise as it relates to Laboratories, capital equipment sourcing and projects - with a primary focus on North America. The category manager of this area will be responsible for implementing a range of initiatives to support UL and Global Sourcing objectives.
RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop Category Plans and sourcing strategies on a portfolio of key initiatives for laboratory & equipment procurement projects.
• Manage all aspects of Sourcing processes through the lifecycle of the Budget, RFI/RFQ/RFP, managing complex global negotiations and contracts, execution of MSAs, of varying levels of spend across the category portfolio.
• Will play Subject Matter Expert (SME) and be the single point of contact to the business and suppliers from design through implementation phases of global laboratory footprint (expansions, greenfield site, relocations etc.) as it relates to sourcing / procurement activities.
• Drive key supplier relationships, lead negotiations independently, drive cost savings and manage risks.
• Manage project pipeline and a standardized cadence of business reviews of the supply base across the category of spend.
• Build relationships with key business stakeholders in COUs / Segments, Integrated Labs, Lab Operations, Finance, and other areas within the UL enterprise, to engage strategic sourcing throughout the process and be the trusted advisor to the business on sourcing engagements.
• Lead key sourcing initiatives, achieving best value within acceptable risk.
• Drive internal process improvements / toolset implementation etc., within the global sourcing organization.
• Drive Preferred Supplier Base and Approved Equipment List, rationalize the number of suppliers and reduce fragmentation in the spend base to simplify the supplier landscape and drive commercial efficiency globally.
• Manage key suppliers to ensure that all contractual obligations are met, initiatives are performing against business case and that issues and disputes are resolved in a timely manner.
• Build and enhance relationships with strategic suppliers to deliver high levels of service while maintaining best-in-class commercial terms and conditions
• Drive Global Sourcing policy & process adherence and enforcement across the UL Solutions enterprise.
• Performs other duties as directed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field with 5+ years of experience in developing and executing category strategies in large scale capital equipment procurement and projects / Laboratory build-outs. Knowledge of Procurement processes and operations is required.
• Deep knowledge of equipment providers, Lab System Integrators, lab consumables and construction management ecosystem.
• Solves complex problems and takes a broad perspective to identify innovative solutions.
• Comfortable independently interacting with and presenting to senior leadership including Director/VP-level executives.
• Works independently, with guidance in only the most complex situations and lead functional teams/ projects with excellent attention to details.
• Proven track record of delivering significant and sustainable cost reductions through effective development and execution of sourcing strategy
• Superior relationship management and cross-functional leadership skills
• Experienced sourcing practitioner, understanding of best-practice sourcing methodology and a demonstrated track record of working ethically to achieve excellent outcomes
• Knowledge of standard legal & commercial contracting practices and procedures.
• Ability to interpret and summarizing contractual terms for internal clients - Legal/Business/Laboratories/Finance etc.
• Ability to take a hands-on approach to analyze and interpret spend data is support of sourcing initiatives and UL business objectives.
• Strong process management, data assimilation & presentation, organizational and effective time management skills.
• Strong proficiency in communications - both written and verbal.

Total Rewards: We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. The estimated salary range for this position is $105,000 to $135,000 and is based on multiple factors, including job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, as well as other factors. This position is eligible for annual bonus compensation with a target payout of 20% of the base salary. This position also provides health benefits such as medical, dental and vision; wellness benefits such as mental and financial health; and retirement savings (401K) commensurate with the standard rewards offered in each individual location or country. We also provide full-time employees with paid time off including vacation (15 days), holiday including floating holidays (12 days) and sick time off (72 hours).