Category Manager- Labs

This role is hybrid onsite at our Northbrook IL corporate office 3 days a week

Reporting to the Senior Manager Global Strategic Sourcing this role will lead the development and of category plans for across the UL Solutions enterprise as it relates to Laboratories capital equipment sourcing and projects with a primary focus on North America. The category manager of this area will be responsible for implementing a range of initiatives to support UL and Global Sourcing objectives.

• Develop Category Plans and sourcing strategies on a portfolio of key initiatives for laboratory & equipment procurement projects.
• Manage all aspects of Sourcing processes through the lifecycle of the Budget RFI/RFQ/RFP managing complex global negotiations and contracts of MSAs of varying levels of spend across the category portfolio.
• Will play Subject Matter Expert (SME) and be the single point of contact to the business and suppliers from design through implementation phases of global laboratory footprint (expansions greenfield site relocations etc. as it relates to sourcing / procurement activities.
• Drive key supplier relationships lead negotiations independently drive cost savings and manage risks.
• Manage project pipeline and a standardized cadence of business reviews of the supply base across the category of spend.
• Build relationships with key business stakeholders in COUs / Segments Integrated Labs Lab Operations Finance and other areas within the UL enterprise to engage strategic sourcing throughout the process and be the trusted advisor to the business on sourcing engagements.
• Lead key sourcing initiatives achieving best value within acceptable risk.
• Drive internal process improvements / toolset implementation etc. within the global sourcing organization.
• Drive Preferred Supplier Base and Approved Equipment List rationalize the number of suppliers and reduce fragmentation in the spend base to simplify the supplier landscape and drive commercial efficiency globally.
• Manage key suppliers to ensure that all contractual obligations are met initiatives are performing against business case and that issues and disputes are resolved in a timely manner.
• Build and enhance relationships with strategic suppliers to deliver high levels of service while maintaining bestinclass commercial terms and conditions
• Drive Global Sourcing policy & process adherence and enforcement across the UL Solutions enterprise.
• Performs other duties as directed.

• Bachelors degree in Engineering Business Supply Chain Management or related field with5 years of experience in developing and executing category strategies in large scale capital equipment procurement and projects / Laboratory buildouts. Knowledge of Procurement processes and operations is required.
• Deep knowledge of equipment providers Lab System Integrators lab consumables and construction management ecosystem.
• Solves complex problems and takes a broad perspective to identify innovative solutions.
• Comfortable independently interacting with and presenting to senior leadership including Director/VPlevel executives.
• Works independently with guidance in only the most complex situations and lead functional teams/ projects with excellent attention to details.
• Proven track record of delivering significant and sustainable cost reductions through effective development and of sourcing strategy
• Superior relationship management and crossfunctional leadership skills
• Experienced sourcing practitioner understanding of bestpractice sourcing methodology and a demonstrated track record of working ethically to achieve excellent outcomes
• Knowledge of standard legal & commercial contracting practices and procedures.
• Ability to interpret and summarizing contractual terms for internal clients Legal/Business/Laboratories/Finance etc.
• Ability to take a handson approach to analyze and interpret spend data is support of sourcing initiatives and UL business objectives.
• Strong process management data assimilation & presentation organizational and effective time management skills.
• Strong proficiency in communications both written and verbal.

Total Rewards: We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. The estimatedsalary range for this position is $105000 to $135000 and is based on multiple factors including jobrelated knowledge/skills experience geographical location as well as other factors.This position is eligible for annual bonus compensation with a target payout of 20 of the base salary. This position also provides health benefits such as medical dental and vision; wellness benefits such as mental and financial health; and retirement savings 401K) commensurate with the standard rewards offered in each individual location or country. We also provide fulltime employees with paid time off including vacation 15 days) holiday including floating holidays 12 days) and sick time off 72 hours).