Category Manager

About the role:
L3Harris in Brighton are part of our Mission Avionics sector operating in the Aerospace domain specialising in airborne weapons carriage release and electro-mechanical systems.
We are seeking a Category Manager to expand our team in Brighton. This is a newly created role, will report to our Supply Chain Manager and join a team of 10. Travel to suppliers will be required, typically 1-2 days per week alongside some remote and office based work in Brighton. A driving licence and willingness to travel is essential.

Responsibilities of the role:

• Responsible for the development, implementation, management and performance of sourcing strategies within assigned Categories including management of cost, schedule, and performance parameters (Management of funded subcontract design, development and qualification leading to manufacture and continuous supplier management).
• Implements and manages activities including, but not limited to: supplier assessments and rationalisation, negotiations for best total cost of ownership, Make vs Buy analyses, vendor managed inventories, inventory reduction programs, cycle time improvements, security of supply, supplier diversity, continuous improvement, commodity and technology road maps, and procurement/stakeholder collaboration.
• Develops specifications, work statements, bid packages, and terms and conditions for the procurement of specialised materials, equipment, and/or services. Conducts bidders conferences, analyses and evaluates proposals, negotiates subcontract provisions, selects or recommends subcontractors, writes awards, and manages resulting subcontracts.
• Research and benchmarks current commodity market conditions/trends, developing technologies, supply chain capacity/capability, product knowledge, customer requirements and supply/demand challenges.
• Implements rigorous and disciplined processes for managing the supply base including leading periodic business reviews, monitoring and managing supplier performance (Quality, cost, delivery, technology, service, and leadership), managing supplier relationships, performing root cause analysis and resolutions, developing and monitoring supplier improvement plans.

Experience & Skills:

• Experience of managing £10M spend within a manufacturing / blue-chip company.
•  Experience of category management in high end (bespoke) technology systems, electronics, complex cables and composite commodities.
• Able to proficiently develop, apply, and analyse the effectiveness of Supply Chain methods to turn materials into products.
• Strong knowledge of procurement lifecycle and supply chain management principals.
• Highly organised and able to work independently in a fast-paced environment with limited supervision.
• Able to lead groups in problem solving.
• Excellent communications, negotiations, presentation, and documentation skills.
• Cross-functional knowledge of Supplier Quality, Programmes and Engineering as they relate to subcontract management (desirable).
• An understanding of Aerospace/Defence Design Development Projects & the engineering life cycle (desirable).
• Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) or similar qualification (APICS, CPIM, ISM or ASCM) would be beneficial.

More Information
Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance relevant to the country of the position. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws.