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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
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Develop and execute strategic sourcing and category management strategies for mechanical components and direct materials.
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Lead supplier selection, commercial negotiations, contract management, and ongoing supplier relationship management.
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Analyze total cost of ownership (TCO), market trends, supplier capabilities, and pricing to support data-driven sourcing decisions.
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Identify and implement cost reduction initiatives through supplier collaboration, should-cost analysis, process improvements, and strategic sourcing activities.
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Build and maintain category roadmaps, including supplier development and sourcing strategies that support future business needs.
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Review bills of materials (BOMs), engineering drawings, and technical specifications to support sourcing decisions and manufacturing readiness.
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Develop and execute supply risk mitigation strategies to improve business continuity and supplier performance.
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Monitor supplier performance and partner with cross-functional teams to implement corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
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Lead RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs, evaluate supplier proposals, and recommend supplier selections based on quality, cost, delivery, and technical capabilities.
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Support legacy products and end-of-life planning by developing sourcing strategies that ensure continued operational support.
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Establish and monitor supplier performance metrics, dashboards, and key performance indicators.
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Partner closely with engineering, manufacturing, finance, project management, and product leadership to align sourcing initiatives with business objectives.
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Track procurement savings initiatives and provide financial analysis supporting cost reduction efforts.
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Evaluate and audit suppliers to ensure compliance with procurement, quality, engineering, and manufacturing requirements.
Required Skills
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10+ years of strategic sourcing, procurement, or category management experience focused on direct materials within a manufacturing environment.
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Strong experience sourcing mechanical components and managing supplier relationships across complex supply chains.
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Expertise in total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis, supplier negotiations, category strategy, and contract management.
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Demonstrated ability to develop cost reduction initiatives and deliver measurable savings.
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Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, product lifecycles, and mechanical supply markets.
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Experience working with ERP systems, eSourcing platforms, spend analytics tools, and contract management systems.
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Excellent analytical, negotiation, presentation, and communication skills.
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Proven ability to build strong partnerships with suppliers and cross-functional business leaders.
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Strong business acumen with the ability to influence decisions using data and market insights.
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Comfortable working in fast-paced environments with changing priorities and complex supply chain challenges.
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Willingness to travel occasionally as business needs require.
Preferred Qualifications
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Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
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Master's degree or MBA preferred.
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Professional certifications such as CPSM, CPM, Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt, or PMP are highly desirable.
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Experience within OEM manufacturing or industries such as industrial equipment, aerospace, automotive, heavy manufacturing, oil & gas, or other complex engineered products.
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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.