Job ID: 482525

Ash Grove Materials Corporation, a CRH company, produces ready-mix concrete, sand, and stone through its subsidiaries. Incorporated in 1987 and based in Overland Park, Kansas, Ash Grove Materials is committed to employee success by encouraging skills development for long-term professional growth.

Position Overview

This position is a key resource in driving reductions in total costs and strategically managing supplier relationships in order to improve the company’s profitability and competitive position. The Procurement Manager is responsible for managing spend categories through the use of the region’s strategic sourcing process, including developing strategies, establishing a program and managing the overall success of the program. The Procurement Manager will work directly with suppliers, regional procurement personnel, management and other key internal stakeholders to ensure program objectives are achieved.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for Operating Company - Work extensively with cross-functional teams and key stakeholders in developing and implementing sourcing strategies to address cost, quality and service expectations and deliver innovative products and solutions
• Employ strategic sourcing processes that drive effective strategy development and supplier selection
• Capitalize on supplier capabilities and market trends
• Utilize creative approaches to reduce total cost and develop negotiation strategies with alternative plans
• Work with regional director to conduct effective supplier negotiations with clear outcomes
• Formulate roll-out and implementation plans including supplier and employee communication
• Work with regional director to prepare contingency plans to mitigate risk on supply and cost

Manage category costs - Lead company on managing and reducing costs for assigned categories

• Provide cost and market information to support annual budgeting and long term planning
• Assist Region in developing and meeting cost reduction targets
• Communicate cost changes with mitigation plans to address upward price movement
• Analyze total costs including life cycle and demand (volume and product usage) with standardization and substitution opportunities to reduce costs
• Maintain cost and product / service information in current and future procurement systems and support the utilization of e-procurement technologies

Manage supplier relationships and performance - Establish relationships, processes and initiatives that contribute to the overall development, improvement and delivery of supplier performance

• Execute contracts and service level agreements
• Measure internal compliance to commitments
• Measure supplier performance to service levels and other contractual obligations
• Execute performance processes to incorporate metrics and establish continuous improvement plans
• Manage product discontinuations or changes
• Obtain stakeholder feedback and communicate program progress (including key performance metrics and program benefits) to internal stakeholders.

Identify New Opportunities - Find new opportunities to improve value and performance which deliver demonstrable benefits for the business

• Evaluate new products or services
• Reduce the supplier base
• Optimize existing purchasing practices to leverage spend to align as much as possible across region

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor of Science or related degree required with 5+ years of business, procurement, plant operations / engineering or related experience.
• Solid Strategic Sourcing / category management skills with a proven record for delivering results.
• Effective team builder and leader with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team within a highly matrixed environment
• Knowledge of procurement tools and process management including: strategic sourcing processes; procurement best practices, procedures, and policies; and strategic sourcing and operating metrics.
• Experience working with databases, data warehouse applications and / or ERP systems. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications required.
• Experience in mining, ready-mix, construction or manufacturing would be beneficial

Knowledge / Skill Requirements

• Demonstrated commitment to achieving the organization's goals and objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to get positive results through influence, persuasion, leadership, presentations, training, and group facilitation skills.
• Ability to think strategically and interact with all levels of the organization
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• High ethical standards
• Excellent communication skills (both oral and written)
• Proven negotiation results
• Ability to drive change and sell new concepts and approaches through persistence, self-motivation, energy, tenacity, follow-through, and commitment
• Understanding of Sourcing’s impact on financial results

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Able to communicate with others by telephone and in person
• Able to utilize a computer for e-mail communication, and preparation of documents, worksheets, and presentations
• May require sitting for extended periods of time
• May require periodically lifting objects up to 30 lbs.

Work Environment

• Standard office environment.

The statements included in this job description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job. Other duties may be assigned as required. Requirements for this job are subject to modification by the Company and its designees, and reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

What CRH Offers You

• 
  Highly competitive base pay
• Comprehensive medical, dental and disability benefits programs
• Group retirement savings program
• Health and wellness programs
• A diverse and inclusive culture that values opportunity for growth, development, and internal promotion

About CRH

CRH has a long and proud heritage. We are a collection of hundreds of family businesses, regional companies and large enterprises that together form the CRH family. CRH operates in a decentralized, diversified structure that allows you to work in a small company environment while having the career opportunities of large international organization.

If you’re up for a rewarding challenge, we invite you to take the first step and apply today! Once you click apply now, you will be brought to our official employment application. Please complete your online profile and it will be sent to the hiring manager. Our system allows you to view and track your status 24 hours a day. Thank you for your interest!

Ash Grove Materials Corporation, a CRH Company, is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.

EOE/Vet/Disability-If you want to know more, please click on this link.