Supplier Relationship Manager

This position will source, qualify and negotiate the contractual terms and conditions for the purchase of complex materials, equipment, goods and services managing one-two material categories in support of New Product Introductions and current inventory, currently manufactured products and other IDEXX requirements.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Identify, qualify and implement the supply chain requirements needed to support various business needs and/or goals. Manage the corporate category strategy requirements for the purchase and inventory of one-two major commodities or strategic materials categories. Responsible for the administration of overall category strategy of existing supplier contracts and/or agreements, the sourcing and developing of new suppliers, establishing and executing sourcing strategies within each category. Implement the Corporate category plan with a primary focus on a material category. Develop and negotiate the contractual terms and conditions for the procurement of inventory parts, goods and services in support of various development requirements. Participate on New Product Development Teams to manage the transition of product. Issue Request for Quotes (RFQs) and Request for Proposals (RFPs) to new and/or existing suppliers for parts, goods and services. Define and organize continuous process improvement strategies with key suppliers to meet procurement goals for improved quality and part cost reductions. Determine demand for purchased products to support short-, medium- and long-range planning for manufacturing and inventory requirements. In conjunction with R&D, New Product Transition, New Product Development, Supplier Engineering and suppliers, determine product parameters and test methods for supplier control of purchased material. Support Supplier Engineering for corrective action and quality management programs with suppliers for problem containment and resolution. Oversee Project Managers to support initiatives involving procurement, price negotiation and supplier sourcing strategies. Perform other duties as required. Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: BS or BA in Engineering, Business or related field or 7 years experience in a manufacturing or New Product design/development capacity. Member of ISM (formerly NAPM) with a C.P.M. or A.P.I.C.S. certification preferred.

EXPERIENCE: Minimum of 5 years experience in New Product Development or Category Management. 7 years experience working in high volume medical device/biochemical manufacturing industry. Experience managing lean and six sigma practices preferred. Contract and subcontract management as well as negotiating complex material procurement contracts and agreements.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Must possess a strong background in strategic sourcing, supply chain management programs, and the ability to assess supplier capability. Strong negotiation skills and techniques, knowledge in contract negotiation strategies, administration of contracts and confidentiality disclosures. Must be able to work in environments requiring strong influencing skills, tact, diplomacy and confidentiality between multiple organizations. Ability to effectively communicate and/or present information and respond to questions from technical groups and management at the highest levels within IDEXX and supplier companies. Ability to troubleshoot and manage resources to gain problem resolution to complex technical issues. Ability to read and analyze complex drawings/documents, governmental regulations, technical procedures in mathematical or diagram form, and financial statements Knowledge of GMP or ISO 9000 requirements preferred. Computer skills in MRP, data base management and Microsoft products.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The employee must be able to move about a work environment that includes industrial sites, field sites (outside environments), laboratories, and office locations that may require the use of safety and clean room equipment. Travel as required.

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