Category Manager

Johnson Controls, Inc.
sick time, 401(k)
United States, Wisconsin, Milwaukee
Jan 11, 2025
Employee Value Proposition: At JCI, we are committed to becoming the global leader in smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings. Our mission is to redefine building performance to better serve people, places, and the planet. We invite you to join our winning team and build your best future with us! Our diverse teams have the opportunity to support a wide range of industries worldwide, and we are dedicated to your professional development through impactful projects and continuous learning. Enjoy our supportive work environment focused on enhancing your physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing. What We Offer Competitive salary and bonus Paid vacation/holidays/sick time Comprehensive benefits package including 401K, medical, dental, and vision care starting day one! Developmental opportunities Encouraging and collaborative team environment Dedication to safety through our Zero Harm policy This Global Category Manager is a key role on our Procurement team, with global category management responsibilities for PCBA, Box-build, ODM, and EMS (Electronics Manufacturing Services) suppliers across all Product Business Units within Global Products Organization. Category Managers are expected to become a procurement Subject Matter Expert (SME) and specializing in electronic components and External Manufacturing Services (EMS) 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 Required 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 related to electronics market. Experience in outsourcing with EMS/CEM in the field of electronics (PCBA and Finished Goods levels). Knowledge of electronics products, market dynamics, and industry trends. Proficiency in data analysis and utilization of relevant software/tools. 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.