Senior Category Manager I (Onsite)

Join Axon and be a Force for Good. At Axon, we’re on a mission to Protect Life. We’re explorers, pursuing society’s most critical safety and justice issues with our ecosystem of devices and cloud software. Like our products, we work better together. We connect with candor and care, seeking out diverse perspectives from our customers, communities and each other. Life at Axon is fast-paced, challenging and meaningful. Here, you’ll take ownership and drive real change. Constantly grow as you work hard for a mission that matters at a company where you matter. Your Impact You will be accountable for leading assigned category(s) which have the highest impact on Axon’s supply base and spend categories. This requires a broad market understanding and internal and external stakeholder engagement at the highest levels. You will ensure assigned suppliers meet and maintain requirements for quality, on time delivery, and continuous improvement while optimizing cost, inventory and terms. Enhanced understanding of emerging markets and technologies is required. What You’ll Do Location: Onsite at our Tampere, Finland office 3-5 days a week, and on the road 20% of time Reports to: Director, Strategic Sourcing Direct Reports: Yes Through a combination of formal business reviews and ongoing supplier communication, manages the performance of assigned supply base to meet Axon’s requirements for quality, on time delivery, cost, technological/manufacturing innovation, and continuous improvement Lead subject matter expert for defined spend categories/commodities – understanding market and supplier risk profiles and recommending/implementing strategies to reduce risk and ensure continuity of supply while improving competitiveness Through coordination with demand planning team, provides timely and ongoing communication with assigned supply base to provide ongoing forecast information relating to Axon’s short and long term supply requirements Leads formal spend management councils to market test existing and new suppliers/categories with the objective of optimizing supply base and driving competitive cost, capital (inventory and payment terms) Accountable for managing supplier inventory levels utilizing, as required, combination of advanced replenishment strategies and persistent negotiation of supplier lead times and minimum order quantities Negotiates formal supply contracts and/or agreements as required Drive continuous improvement and supplier performance Leads the creation and maintenance of strategies for assigned commodities Active participant in NPI process to translate market requirements into supply requirements Other sourcing and procurement related duties as business requirements dictate Aligns with team members from Demand Planning, Sales operations, Engineering, Quality and Manufacturing to understand supplier performance expectations in meeting the supply plan Aligns with product management and demand planning teams on product revisions/introductions and forecasts Function as a primary focal point for all supplier issues. What You Bring Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, engineering or related discipline 7+ years of experience in procurement, commodity/category management, Strategic Sourcing Proficiency in relevant commodity categories Ability to influence and communicate across all levels of the organization Demonstrated leadership capabilities to motivate and develop a highly successful workforce Preferred Qualifications Strong communication and negotiation skills as well as proven ability to work within team structure as an active participant and drive results through direct and indirect influence/collaboration Ability to successful function in “fast-paced” ambiguous environment Demonstrated capability of advancing further within the organization through track record of increasing responsibility and quantifiable results APICS, ISM, PMP, Six Sigma certifications desired Masters of Business Adm ... (truncated, view full listing at source)