Senior Category Manager

This Senior Global Category Manager is a key role on our Procurement team, with global category management responsibilities for electrical components and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs/VSDs) across all Product Business Units within Global Products Organization. Category Managers are expected to become a procurement Subject Matter Expert (SME) and own their space, strategy, supply base, and performance metrics for these categories; as well, stay current on market trends and conditions. This high-visibility position requires a results-oriented individual with a strong understanding of supply chain management principles and a proven track record of success in global sourcing and procurement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee a purchasing portfolio of approximately $150M - 250M annual spend

• Internal Stakeholders: Collaborate effectively with key stakeholders (engineering, operations, quality, etc.) to understand category requirements, ensure supplier qualification, and maintain high quality standards.

• Cross-functional Teams: Partner with business unit Procurement teams to facilitate smooth supplier transitions. Support NPI teams by leveraging preferred supplier programs.

• Category Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive category strategy aligned with business needs and procurement best practices.

• Cost Optimization: Drive category productivity through price negotiations, value analysis (VA), and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Optimize Payment Terms: Negotiate favorable payment terms with suppliers to improve cash flow and optimize working capital. Explore Supply Chain Financing: Investigate and implement supply chain financing solutions (e.g., supplier financing programs) to improve cash flow and enhance supplier relationships.

• Supplier Segmentation: Implement effective supplier segmentation and expand the Preferred Supplier Program based on business requirements.

• Contract Lifecycle: Manage the entire contract lifecycle, ensuring compliance and continuity of supply.

• Supplier Selection: Conduct thorough RFx processes to select and negotiate contracts with optimal terms and conditions.

• Supplier Risk Mitigation: Actively identify and mitigate potential risks associated with suppliers, including financial, capacity, quality, and compliance issues.

• Supplier Relationships: Oversee Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) activities and conduct regular supplier reviews to ensure performance meets program objectives (Quality, Cost, Delivery).

• Meet or exceed key performance indicators (KPIs) related to cost, quality, and supplier performance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (preferred), Supply Chain, Business, or Operations

• Master's degree preferred.

• Minimum 8 years of procurement / sourcing experience with large-scale, complex, and/or regional/global categories of spend preferably in HVAC, manufacturing, or a related field.

• Demonstrated success in assessing, negotiating, and managing suppliers.

• Collaborative, facilitation, consultation, and conflict resolution skills; you will be a trusted business partner and engage both internal and external stakeholders/customers, and we are seeking the ability to collaborate and influence within a highly matrixed environment.

• Professional communication; both verbal and written are required.

• Extensive experience in global sourcing and supplier management.

• Ability to influence and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

• Demonstrated leadership and problem-solving skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced Excel skills.

• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP) preferred.

• Travel up to 30% domestically and internationally.

• Spanish language skills a plus.