Sr. Sourcing Specialist/Category Leader – Intelligent Toilet Key Modules

Location: SHANGHAI, CHINA Opportunity BASIC FUNCTION Serve as the Category for Intelligent Toilet Key Modules, such as Wand Assembly/Water heater Assembly/Gear box Assembly/Dryer fan/Solenoid Assembly/Microwave module/Alu foil assembly. Manage CPD sourcing activity, including supplier sourcing/evaluation/management, price and contract management. Define sourcing strategy, driving cost reduction initiatives through consolidation and better sub-component cost management. Support New Product Development (NPD) and Supply Chain Operation. Duties include: Identifying cost saving opportunities by managing detailed costs of components and assemblies as well as resourcing full assemblies. Functioning as the category leader for Intelligent Toilet Key Modules to define strategy and develop the supply base globally to meet Kohler’s needs in terms of cost and quality. Ongoing supplier selection, development, and relationship management with Key suppliers. New Product Development projects, cost/re-sourcing initiatives, and Quality improvement efforts with current and potential suppliers. Sourcing of potentials suppliers, being a proactive part in the detection and pre-selection. Drive supply base to lowest cost of total ownership to Kohler. Manage global score cards for the category Deploy expertise to other regional Kohler Company entities that would benefit from Intelligent Toilet Key Modules knowledge. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES Conduct detailed appraisal of current spending mapping out relationships and potential for savings. Hold regular reviews with key stake holders on strategy, RFQ’s and drive cost downs. Maintain cost database of key sub-tier components to ensure part fluctuations are regularly captured and implemented at vendors. Defines sourcing strategy for Intelligent Toilet Key Modules. Ensure NPD teams are fully aware of the cost implications of component selection etc. Initiate and manage supplier process capability and cost improvement action plans to meet Quality, Delivery, Cost and Program Timing requirements. Drive best practice in conjunction with Supplier Quality to reduce early product failures through better involving supplier process FMEA’s, Print/Process Reviews (PPR), Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Control Plan development, process capability (Cp,Cpk) and gage studies, and other milestone events Ensure appropriate facilities at suppliers to audit both process and final product quality prior to shipment. This is to be continued until capability is achieved. Maintain score cards and conduct periodic formal on-site reviews at suppliers. Act as principal escalation contact window for principal vendors. Move rapidly to contain problems, establish recovery plans and expedite corrective actions. DEMONSTRATED SKILLS Self-starter, ability to work independently, collaborate with teams, and in a lead role. Build effective working relationships quickly in a cross-functional team environment. Communicates well at all levels of organization with strong written, verbal and data presentation skills. Fluent in written and spoken English and Mandarin, be familiar with SAP system. Analytical with a high degree of problem-solving skills and attention to detail. Well organized, manages time and projects effectively. Creative problem solver with demonstrated expertise in applied lean process improvement Skilled as a teacher and mentor to facilitate the effective transfer of knowledge. Cultural sensitivity between Chinese American associates and business entities. RELATIONSHIPS AND CONTACTS Supervisory Relationships: Reports directly to: SR MGR-Purchasing Organization Relationships: Frequent contact with purchasing, supplier quality, manufacturing engineering and project management staff.