Regional Category Manager

Summary

Bühler (China) Investment Co., Ltd. established in 2011 in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, is the group headquarters of the Swiss Bühler Group in Greater China and the first integrated headquarters of multinational companies in Jiangsu Province. With our advanced technology, we lead the market in grain handling and processing, consumer food manufacturing, and die-casting, grinding and dispersion. With our vision of "Innovations for a better world", we are committed to developing more innovative solutions by leveraging the global resources of the Bühler Group and taking advantage of localization.

Job Responsibilities

-    Analyze regional and local supply markets and develop category strategies, supplier portfolios, and sourcing roadmaps in collaboration with the Global Category Manager and Site Sourcing Management team.
-    Manage and report key procurement KPIs, including cost savings, supplier quality, on-time delivery, payment terms, supplier consolidation, and data accuracy.
-    Lead supplier negotiations and implement cost-reduction initiatives to achieve annual savings targets and improve total cost competitiveness.
-    Negotiate and manage supplier framework agreements in collaboration with the Global Category Manager and relevant internal stakeholders.
-    Drive supplier relationship management, improve supplier quality and performance, and lead supplier development projects.
-    Manage multicultural interfaces and collaborate closely with internal stakeholders to execute cross-functional projects and strategic initiatives.
-    Collaborate closely with R&D, Engineering, and M2M Procurement Engineering teams on NPI projects to drive part standardization, simplification, and localization.
-    Support local procurement teams and engineers by developing a competitive, capable, and reliable supplier base.
-    Support the Regional Procurement Head in managing key operational activities, including preparing monthly procurement reports, organizing management meetings, tracking strategic projects and action items, and coordinating timely follow-up.

Qualifications

-    Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Economics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
-    Professional training or certification in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management is preferred.
-    More than 10 years of professional experience in procurement or supply chain management within multinational companies.
-    At least 5 years of category management experience; experience in categories such as pneumatics and hydraulics, electrical and electronic components, and standard parts is highly preferred.
-    At least 3 years of team leadership or people management experience.
-    Strong written and spoken English communication skills.
-    Strong knowledge of advanced sourcing methodologies, including total cost of ownership, cost breakdown analysis, negotiation, supplier selection, supplier development, and supplier relationship management.
-    Proficient in data analysis, with proven ability to leverage digital and AI tools to improve procurement efficiency and support data-driven decision-making.
-    Good understanding of regional and global market dynamics and their implications for the business and supply chain.
-    Good understanding of key business functions, including logistics, finance, production, quality, and R&D.
-    Build organizational capabilities through teaching, coaching, and mentoring.
-    Build effective coalitions and secure stakeholder support for ideas, projects, and organizational changes.
-    Inspire, empower, and recognize people to take ownership and accountability.
-    Demonstrate a high level of self-motivation and sound decision-making ability.
-    Demonstrate strong presentation and stakeholder representation skills.
-    Demonstrate an entrepreneurial mindset, strong personal commitment, and a results-oriented approach.
-    Be adaptable to change, proactive, and committed to continuous learning.
-    Collaborate effectively with diverse teams across different businesses, functions, and cultures.
-    Demonstrate cross-functional, holistic, logical, and solution-oriented thinking.
-    Demonstrate strong communication, influencing, and persuasion skills.