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

Kohler Co.; Anchorage (AK); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Kohler Co. is seeking a Category Leader for Intelligent Toilet Key Modules to manage supplier selection, cost savings, and develop sourcing strategies. This role involves maintaining relationships with suppliers, ensuring quality, and driving cost efficiency.

The ideal candidate has over five years of sourcing experience, a Bachelor’s degree, and is fluent in English and Mandarin. Familiarity with SAP is preferred, along with strong analytical and communication skills. The role is onsite in Anchorage, Alaska.

Qualifications

• Over five years of sourcing experience required.
• Good electronic/mechanical commodity knowledge preferred.
• Expert knowledge in negotiating and statistical techniques is a must.

Responsibilities

• Identify cost-saving opportunities and manage detailed costs.
• Define sourcing strategy for Intelligent Toilet Key Modules.
• Conduct appraisals of spending and hold regular strategy reviews.

Skills

Self-starter

Analytical problem-solving

Fluent in English and Mandarin

Strong communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

SAP system

Job description

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.

Opportunity

Work Mode: Onsite

Location: SHANGHAI, CHINA

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 potential suppliers, being proactive in 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 stakeholders on strategy, RFQs, and drive cost down.
• Maintain cost database of key sub‑tier components to ensure part fluctuations are regularly captured and implemented at vendors.
• Define sourcing strategy for Intelligent Toilet Key Modules. Ensure NPD teams are fully aware of the cost implications of component selection.
• 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 FMEAs, 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. Continue 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 lead.
• Build effective working relationships quickly in a cross‑functional team environment.
• Communicate well at all levels of organization with strong written, verbal and data presentation skills.
• Fluent in written and spoken English and Mandarin; 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 effective transfer of knowledge.
• Cultural sensitivity between Chinese and 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.

Education & Experience Requirements

Good electronic/mechanical commodity knowledge and Intelligent Toilet experience preferred. Bachelor’s degree and over five years of sourcing experience. Must possess expert knowledge in negotiating, problem‑solving, and statistical techniques.

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is Kohler’s policy to recruit, hire, and promote qualified applicants without regard to race, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran. If, as an individual with a disability, you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact [e-mail]. Kohler Co. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.