Strategic Sourcing and Category Manager

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Strategic Sourcing & Category Manager to join a leading manufacturing organization focused on driving sourcing excellence, supplier performance, and cost optimization across complex mechanical categories. This position is ideal for a procurement professional with deep experience in direct materials sourcing, supplier negotiations, and category strategy within a product-based manufacturing environment.

In this role, you will partner with engineering, manufacturing, finance, and product management teams to develop sourcing strategies, strengthen supplier relationships, reduce costs, and ensure a resilient supply chain while supporting new product development and ongoing operations.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute strategic sourcing and category management strategies for mechanical components and direct materials.

Lead supplier selection, commercial negotiations, contract management, and ongoing supplier relationship management.

Analyze total cost of ownership (TCO), market trends, supplier capabilities, and pricing to support data-driven sourcing decisions.

Identify and implement cost reduction initiatives through supplier collaboration, should-cost analysis, process improvements, and strategic sourcing activities.

Build and maintain category roadmaps, including supplier development and sourcing strategies that support future business needs.

Review bills of materials (BOMs), engineering drawings, and technical specifications to support sourcing decisions and manufacturing readiness.

Develop and execute supply risk mitigation strategies to improve business continuity and supplier performance.

Monitor supplier performance and partner with cross-functional teams to implement corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.

Lead RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs, evaluate supplier proposals, and recommend supplier selections based on quality, cost, delivery, and technical capabilities.

Support legacy products and end-of-life planning by developing sourcing strategies that ensure continued operational support.

Establish and monitor supplier performance metrics, dashboards, and key performance indicators.

Partner closely with engineering, manufacturing, finance, project management, and product leadership to align sourcing initiatives with business objectives.

Track procurement savings initiatives and provide financial analysis supporting cost reduction efforts.

Evaluate and audit suppliers to ensure compliance with procurement, quality, engineering, and manufacturing requirements.

Required Skills

10+ years of strategic sourcing, procurement, or category management experience focused on direct materials within a manufacturing environment.

Strong experience sourcing mechanical components and managing supplier relationships across complex supply chains.

Expertise in total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis, supplier negotiations, category strategy, and contract management.

Demonstrated ability to develop cost reduction initiatives and deliver measurable savings.

Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, product lifecycles, and mechanical supply markets.

Experience working with ERP systems, eSourcing platforms, spend analytics tools, and contract management systems.

Excellent analytical, negotiation, presentation, and communication skills.

Proven ability to build strong partnerships with suppliers and cross-functional business leaders.

Strong business acumen with the ability to influence decisions using data and market insights.

Comfortable working in fast-paced environments with changing priorities and complex supply chain challenges.

Willingness to travel occasionally as business needs require.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.

Master's degree or MBA preferred.

Professional certifications such as CPSM, CPM, Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt, or PMP are highly desirable.

Experience within OEM manufacturing or industries such as industrial equipment, aerospace, automotive, heavy manufacturing, oil & gas, or other complex engineered products.

Experience with SAP, Oracle, Jaggaer, or similar enterprise procurement platforms.

How to Apply

If you're an experienced sourcing and procurement professional looking to make an impact within a collaborative manufacturing environment, we'd love to hear from you. Submit your resume today for confidential consideration, and a member of our team will reach out if your background aligns with the opportunity.