Global Contract Manager - Raw Materials

Ferro Corporation (http://www.ferro.com) is a leading global supplier of technology-based performance materials for manufacturers. Ferro materials enhance the performance of products in a variety of end markets, including electronics, solar energy, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, building and renovation, appliances, automotive, household furnishings, and industrial products.

Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, the Company has approximately 6,300 employees globally and reported 2007 sales of $2.2 billion.

SUMMARY

 

 

This position is responsible for managing global supply programs on raw materials.  Program management includes but is not limited to: (1)maintaining excellent supplier relationships, (2) securing supply lines to multiple Ferro sites, (3) forecasting production requirements to suppliers and coordinating items such as rebates, inventories, and payment terms.  This position will require well developed negotiation and facilitation skills and  will have commodity specific accountability on a global basis which engages in global sourcing activity and strategy associated with specific commodities.  In order to do so effectively, this associate will be required to conduct market research, develop meaningful supplier relationships and negotiate effectively to meet the needs of a globally aggregated demand.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

 

1.   Develop supply programs to production plants by coordinating requirements with supplier availability.

 

2.    Manage global programs to reduce inventory and freight cost.

 

3.     Organize sourcing events that support the Network Procurement process and annual negotiations with suppliers in order to effectively optimize the supply portfolio.

 

4.       Develop and manage a relevant data base for the purposes of negotiation and category management.

 

5.       Supplier tracking and reporting to effectively manage commitments to suppliers for rebates and commercial terms.

 

6.       Develop new sources on key raw materials while coordinating and expediting approvals with the global production facilities.

 

7.        Participate in raw material procurement councils to provide market and supplier relevant information.

 

8.         Development, approval management, and execution of supply contracts

 

9.        Conduct supplier visits to assess operations, check quality and controls and investigate supply issues.

 

10.      Solicit cost reduction ideas from suppliers and communicate back through council process and coordinate with plants, businesses and global purchasing organization

 

11.      Solicit cost reduction ideas from suppliers and communicate back through council process and coordinate with plants, businesses and global purchasing organization





12.       Manage local raw materials as related to the North America region and develop strategies in conjunction with the regional group. 

 

 

INTERNAL & EXTERNAL INTERACTIONS 

 

%      Global Procurement Mgrs.

%      Plant Managers

%      Supplier Sales Contacts

%      Local Supply Chain and Logistics Mgrs

%      Plant Technical Associates

%      Supplier Mfg and Tech Associates

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  None

 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Experienced negotiator with a mimimum of five (5) years experience.  Bachelors degree in a technical field is desired, however, a supply chain degree or equivalent experience may be acceptable.  MBA is also valued.

 

 

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Fluency in English

 

 

COMPETENCIES & SKILLS:  Possesses the research skills required to develop market understanding and negotiation strategy.  In addition: project management financial analysis good communication and influence skills

 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: CPM, APICs certifications are valued

 

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT 

 

Work is performed in various office environments using desktop computer or potentially a portable computer (8-12 lbs.) and travel by air is required on a global basis.  May require climbing, walking and stooping to physically inspect raw material shipment quality.

 

International Travel is Required.