Job Summary                                                                                                                                                                                          

Moon Valley Nurseries is seeking a Category Manager to cover our Southeast region. The Category Manager will lead, direct, and manage the procurement function and large-quantity purchases across the organization, and is responsible for all aspects of purchasing, coordinating, scheduling and optimizing inventory levels. The Category Manager will provide guidance and support to ensure the success of the procurement function. 

 Key Duties and Responsibilities                                                                                                                                                          

• Lead effort to lower the cost and secure agreement for goods and services
• Lead effort to ensure continuity of supply and reduce supply chain risks
• Work closely with operations team to identify and fulfill needs on a proactive basis
• Represent the company in negotiating pricing and supply contracts with vendors
• Prepare purchase requisitions, approve and issue purchase orders and subcontracts in accordance with company policy and negotiated terms and conditions
• Order materials and services as per negotiated and appropriately approved
• Maintain procurement files
• Track activity and measurements and prepare management reports
• Lead in developing and implementing purchasing strategies and policies
• Responsible for planning, developing, and buying materials, supplies, and equipment in a timely and cost-effective way while maintaining appropriate quality
• Participate in the development of specifications for equipment and materials
• Lead and facilitate effective communication between all departments regarding purchasing
• Establish and manage effective relationships
• Liaise with the Finance Department to ensure accurate and timely payment of invoices as necessary for the business with the supplier
• Assess current supply base on an ongoing basis and recommend changes or alternatives that could reduce purchase cost or add higher value
• Establish priorities and in the case of schedule slippages or non-conforming material, establish the necessary corrective action
• Responsible for building comprehensive sourcing and purchasing strategies
• Partner with sales, production, and operations to forecast demand and develop enhanced forecasting techniques and processes
• Coordinate with quality, manufacturing, production, and sales to determine product and service requirements and to ensure purchasing specifications are clearly defined
• Explore the market for new sources of supply in anticipation of need or when specific advantage is available
• Approve and or challenge vendor invoices to verify cost accuracy in the system
• All other duties as required

Qualifications: Knowledge, Skills & Abilities                                                                                                                                   

• Familiar with heavy equipment and vehicle contracts and leases
• Nursery Broker experience
• Strong negotiation experience
• Experience purchasing nursery products
• Experience with setting up annual vendor evaluations and competitive bid processes
• Experience with managing multi-state corporations, with over $50M in annual payables
• Proactive and organized work style
• Excellent verbal and written skills, supported by strong interpersonal skills
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Team player combined with ability to work independently and adapt to change
• The individual will need to successfully interact with other internal departments to be successful in this position
• Proven experience in influencing replenishment objectives, supplier selection, management of scorecard metrics, negotiation of contracts, improving all aspects of supplier agreements
• Provide leadership, mentoring, and skill development for a team of purchasing professionals
• Ability to multi-task

Education                                                                                                                                                                                                 

8+ years’ experience purchasing, planning, and inventory controls, with at least 4 years of purchasing manager experience

 Physical requirements/Working Conditions                                                                                                                                   

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing all day. The employee must frequently lift and/or move items over 30 pounds. Able to work outdoors for extended periods of time in possibly extreme conditions, including rain, heat, sun, and wind.

 OTHER                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Subject to MVR and criminal background check (In accordance with applicable fair chance laws, rules, and regulations)

 About Us                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Moon Valley Nurseries is the largest grower of box trees and palms in North America, and is an industry leader and high growth company that offers competitive salaries with exceptional employee benefits including medical insurance, 401(k), holidays, and PTO to all eligible employees. We are an equal employment opportunity employer. We are a drug free workplace.

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