Job Title: Remote Category Manager - Material Handling Equipment (Forklifts and Trucks)
Location: Remote (Germany)
Company Overview: My client is a dynamic and innovative company specializing in freight forwarding. They are dedicated to delivering high-quality solutions to our clients across Germany and beyond. Currently, we are seeking a skilled and experienced Category Manager to oversee our Material Handling Equipment category, focusing on forklifts and trucks.
Job Description:
As the Remote Category Manager for Material Handling Equipment, you will be responsible for managing the entire lifecycle of forklifts and trucks, from selection and procurement to maintenance and disposal. Your primary objective will be to ensure that our company has access to the most suitable and efficient equipment to support our operations. This role requires a deep understanding of the material handling industry, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication abilities.
Key Responsibilities:
Category Strategy Development: Develop and implement a comprehensive category strategy for forklifts and trucks, aligning with the company's overall goals and objectives.
Supplier Management: Identify, evaluate, and manage relationships with suppliers of material handling equipment. Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms to secure favorable agreements for the company.
Product Selection: Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand their requirements and select appropriate forklifts and trucks that meet operational needs while optimizing cost and performance.
Procurement Process: Oversee the procurement process, from RFQ (Request for Quotation) to PO (Purchase Order) issuance. Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures, as well as legal and regulatory requirements.
Performance Monitoring: Monitor the performance of suppliers and equipment, tracking key metrics such as reliability, maintenance costs, and uptime. Implement corrective actions as needed to address issues and improve performance.
Market Analysis: Stay informed about industry trends, market dynamics, and technological advancements related to material handling equipment. Use market insights to inform strategic decisions and identify opportunities for innovation.
Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks related to the procurement and usage of forklifts and trucks. Develop contingency plans to address potential disruptions in the supply chain or equipment failure.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with other departments, including Operations, Logistics, and Finance, to ensure alignment and collaboration on material handling equipment-related initiatives.
Budget Management: Develop and manage the category budget, tracking expenses and ensuring cost-effectiveness in equipment procurement and maintenance activities.
Continuous Improvement: Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the material handling equipment category, seeking ways to optimize processes, reduce costs, and enhance performance.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
- Proven experience (5 years) in category management, procurement, or supply chain management, with a focus on material handling equipment.
- Deep understanding of forklifts, trucks, and other material handling equipment, including technical specifications, applications, and industry best practices.
- Strong negotiation skills and the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Analytical mindset with proficiency in data analysis and interpretation. Experience with tools such as Excel, SAP, or similar ERP systems is desirable.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Fluency in German and English, both written and spoken
