Global Category Manager, Indirect

It’s a great time to join Velcro Companies! Reporting to the VP of Global Procurement, this position will manage indirect categories as assigned across Velcro’s global business sites. The manager will be responsible for all aspects of category management for these strategic and complex purchases with an annual spend of ~ $50 - $80 million combined. Indirect includes several sub-categories with diverse needs/specifications across multiple business units and represents a significant opportunity for cost reductions, strategy development, and process improvements under a centrally managed program. The manager will lead all sourcing, contract and price negotiations, supplier management, reporting (savings, compliance, and other KPIs), and supplier value added/value engineered activities. Candidates will have global responsibility for driving competitive category strategies to achieve the lowest total delivered cost and reduce working capital via negotiation planning and execution, high growth region sourcing, value engineering and/or sole source elimination. You will manage supplier performance to support your categories, stay up to date on current and forecasted market conditions, and ensure supply continuity for the business. You will be responsible for managing several projects in a dynamic environment. You will ensure compliance with company business policies and procedures, including but not limited to export and import regulations. The person must understand the technical requirements of the diverse business units to provide a world-class level of support to business units that are internal customers, while delivering maximum savings. This individual should challenge the status quo and look creatively for savings opportunities throughout the categories managed. He/she must be able to indirectly lead teams and drive toward consensus and compliance. The category manager position requires an experienced professional with technical expertise and very good interpersonal skills to work with both internal and external stakeholders. He/she must be a change agent within the Global Procurement organization. Sourcing, negotiations, project management: Identify spending, develop sourcing strategy, and lead all sourcing, supplier negotiations, contract negotiations, and supplier selection to minimize the total purchasing costs associated with these categories for Velcro Companies. Strategic category management includes a detailed understanding of the technical aspects of the commodities, global supply conditions, business unit requirements for inventory, inventory control, current market pricing and associated trends, potential deployment of low-cost strategies and global commodity dynamics. Drive compliance for the indirect categories Strategic Category Management: Deep understanding of the various indirect markets, players and category and knowledge sharing with the sites. Create and maintain category strategies considering the industry trends and market conditions by category. Develop and manage supply base in conjunction with the sites. Publish regular newsletters showing status of compliance, sourcing projects, best practices etc. Manage pricing effectively by providing updates, verifying price evolution & contract negotiations. etc. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS The position requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a business-related field (business, finance, supply chain) or engineering. A minimum of 8+ years of experience in a Procurement role for Indirect materials &/services. Knowledge of the Indirect-related categories (professional services, MRO, CAPEX, Logistics & Facilities) is a plus. Strong analytical and project management skills are required, along with excellent communication skills and leadership through influence. Individuals must be self-starter and a skilled negotiator with strategic thinking skills. An ability to work in a matrix environment and coordinate projects across sites and Business Units is critical OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFETY AND EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING Fostering a culture where people thrive—safely, purposefully, and with opportunity. At Velcro USA Inc., we are committed to creating a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow. We offer competitive pay, a comprehensive benefits package, and generous time-off to meet the diverse needs of our workforce. Our culture encourages advancement and provides opportunities for both personal and professional development. Safety is a core value at Velcro USA Inc. and an essential part of every role. We are dedicated to maintaining a safe, healthy work environment through strict adherence to our Global Safety Rules and our goal of achieving Zero Injuries of Any Kind (ZIAK). Employees are expected to complete required safety training, use personal protective equipment (PPE), report unsafe conditions, and follow protocols for fall protection, lockout/tagout (LOTO), hot work, and confined spaces. Together, we foster a culture of prevention, accountability, and care. Health and Welfare Benefits: Medical and Prescription Coverage (HSA and HRA Options) Dental Coverage Vision Coverage Flexible Spending Accounts Award Winning Wellness and Incentive Program Life Insurance Short- and Long-Term Disability Business Travel Accident Insurance Voluntary Accident & Critical Illness Insurance EAP (Employee Assistance Program) Retirement Savings Plan 401(k) Saving Plan with generous 5.5% Company match and Immediate Vesting Time-Off Benefits Paid Vacation Time Paid Sick Time Paid Parental Leave 13 Paid Company Holidays Other Benefits and Programs Tuition Reimbursement Program Financial Wellness Benefit – Smart Dollar® Employee Recognition Programs Employee Resource Groups Charitable or Educational Matching Gift Program Employee Referral Bonus Program Velcro Companies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.