Associate Category Manager Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

15000 Valmont Plaza Omaha Nebraska 68154
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Join a Fortune 1000 company that respects hard work, honors diversity and invests in our employees as we focus on creating the world of tomorrow, today. We are the modern workforce. Are you ready to move the world forward? Apply now.
A Brief Summary of This Position:
Commodity Manager - Capital Expenditures (CapEx) contributes to the strategic sourcing and category management process for capital expenditures. This position works to identify and drive productivity throughout the CapEx Category. This associate networks with Valmont facilities and cross-functional teams (Operations, Engineering, Quality, Project Management), jointly building a strong project funnel to support Valmont production. The role supports sourcing activities on existing and future construction products, as well as production/facility equipment.
This position also works to review the existing supply base and evaluate suppliers from a GME (Grow, Maintain, Exit) perspective. The Commodity Manager - CapEx role also works to reduce Valmont exposure through robust service/equipment agreements.
The Commodity Manager - CapEx develops and executes category strategies that achieve cost reduction, supplier innovation, risk mitigation, and competitive advantage through strategic sourcing and category management. This position will work with global and regional engineering, site management and engineering, and quality control to source and contract site services, equipment, and localized construction.
Essential Functions:
• Reports to Sr. Commodity Manager - Capex and has no direct or indirect reports
• Manage CapEx projects - equipment, services, and construction
• Implement and assist with internal and external compliance of long-term strategies for suppliers, equipment, and equipment maintenance
• Manage supplier relationships to meet Valmont requirements for safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and other business terms
• Negotiate with suppliers to establish competitive contracts and beneficial agreements
• Perform detailed supply-based market analysis - commodities, industries, and suppliers related to Valmont Indirect / CapEx procurement
• Monthly score card and project reporting. Annual strategic plan reporting
• Organize and upkeep contracts, current and historical pricing, and compliance documentation
• Reinforce the company's continuous improvement culture that promotes communication, shared learning, intelligent risk-taking, creative problem solving and accountability for failures and successes
• Supports supply optimization efforts to include consolidation, dual sourcing, rationalization, etc.
• Supports supplier scorecard efforts and interacts with assigned suppliers to improve upon and build relations and performance
• Supports supplier lean development activities
• Special projects and other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications of Every Candidate:
• Preferred Bachelors with 6+ years relevant experience or associate's degree with 8+ years relevant experience or 10+ years of relevant experience
• Progressive experience in commodity management/supply chain management, operations, and/or engineering
• Indirect manufacturing, tooling design, product design and application experience
• Experience developing and implementing category strategies within CapEx, indirect procurement, construction, equipment, or industrial service categories
• Proven track record of supplier development, management, and sustained productivity
• Strong analytical and negotiating skills
• Strong financial acumen
• Self-starter, ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to develop and recommend material and process alternatives while working collaboratively with Engineering and Project Management teams
• Project management skills to:
o Develop realistic plans, action steps, and timetables for projects and assignments
o Consistently meet deadlines
o Coordinate work with other groups
o Handle multiple demands and competing priorities
• Able to execute initiatives
• Able to build and maintain effective work relationships, both internal and external, and establish credibility with business partners
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Experience with Agency certifications (UL, CSA, NSF, etc.)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office - advanced Excel skills
• Able to effectively communicate both verbally and written in the English language. Expertise in Chinese, Spanish or other languages is a plus.
• Strong understanding of critical spares and maintenance programs
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 30%, including overnight stays
Preferred Candidates Will Also Possess These Qualifications:
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing principles, transformation planning and implementation activities (Six Sigma, 5S, Toyota model, etc.).
• CPM or APICS certification or on-the-job training
• Strong communication and demonstrated leadership skills to inspire confidence and work successfully within cross-functional teams to drive continuous supplier business opportunities
• Experience in a manufacturing environment
• Experience in one of the following: Utilities, Construction, Facility Services, equipment build/commission
Working Environment and Physical Efforts:
Work is typically performed in an office setting. Up to 30% overnight travel (mainly domestic) may be required. The incumbent will be required to go into the production areas at least 30% of the time. When working in production areas the employee will be subjected to welding smoke, noise, seasonal temperature changes, dirt, oil, coolant, and many other conditions found in a production environment. When in the shop the employee shall require the proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) as is determined by the production area. When working in the production areas or on a project the employee may require walking, bending, climbing, squatting, and other physical movements to implement processes or to view current processes as needed. Approximately 50% of the tasks are sedentary with the other 50% of the tasks requiring non-sedentary movement. The employee is required to do lifting, carrying, bending, kneeling, pivoting, reaching, standing for varying periods of time
Benefits
Valmont offers employees and their families a comprehensive Total Wellbeing benefit package to ensure their individual and family's overall wellness needs are met. Some offerings are dependent upon the role, work schedule, or location and can include the following:

• Healthcare (medical, prescription drugs, dental and vision)
• 401k retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off
• Employer paid life insurance
• Employer paid short-term and long-term disability including maternity leave
• Work Life Support
• Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250 per year
• Voluntary programs like tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, one-on-one health coaching, mortgage services and more

Valmont does not discriminate against any employee or applicant in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
If you have a disability and require any assistance in filling out the application for employment email EEOCompliance@Valmont.com.