Category Specialist

Company & Position Overview:

JB Poindexter & Co (JBPCO) is a privately held diversified manufacturing company forecasting $2.5B in annual revenue and 9,000 team members in 2022.  The nine operating subsidiaries, covering over 50 locations, are engaged in the production of commercial truck bodies, step-vans, utility trucks, funeral coaches, limousines, electric and alternative fuel vehicles, pickup truck bed enclosures, precision machining, and expandable foam plastic packaging.  For more information, visit www.jbpoindexter.com.

Reporting to the Director of Direct Materials. The Category Specialist will report to the Director of Direct Materials. will support the Category Managers, Category Directors, and other cross-functional teams across assigned categories by collaborating with the Category Managers to review category data and ensure part numbers are in the correct category and are assigned to the correct Category Manager.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Interact with assigned suppliers to obtain correct pricing and work with Category Managers to load catalogue files.
• Supports the development and implementation of sourcing strategies at the local business in close alignment with the Category Manager, supports sourcing initiatives within a defined set of categories, working closely with key stakeholders to implement local and corporate category strategies.
• Under the direction of Category Manager, participates in the preparation and negotiation of agreements with main suppliers, and periodically reviews pricelists, terms, and conditions.
• Run benchmark studies, gathers, and analyzes data, and makes recommendations to the category team and for specific strategic sourcing initiatives, performs root cause analysis related to supply challenges or disruptions.
• Understand business objectives and internal customer requirements.
• Serve as a liaison between internal customers and suppliers to ensure customer satisfaction in regard to implementation issues and supplier integration.
• Assist Category Managers / Category Directors to drive productivity improvements such as spend / cost reduction, inventory reduction, supplier selection and supplier resourcing.
• Evaluate external market drivers and advise on cost and risk management tactics.
• Incorporate safety into daily work ethic.
• Perform other duties / tasks as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or Finance.
• 1+ Years in Supply Chain or educational equivalent experience.
• General business knowledge of sourcing, procurement, contracting, business law and supplier management processes.
• Strong customer support focus and team contribution.
• Strong written and oral communication; ability to negotiate and persuade others.
• Capable of participating and leading cross –functional teams.
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office capabilities with a solid understanding of Excel and its various utilities.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects and tasks.
• Experience with ERP systems desired (JDE preferred).
• Ability to travel up to 30%.

JB Poindexter & Co 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.