Global Category Manager

The Global Mechanical Category Manager is responsible for developing and implementing category strategies that maximize financial and operational performance from our global mechanical spend portfolio. This role works closely with internal stakeholders and suppliers to ensure our sourcing strategies align with business objectives and drive innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Category Strategy Development & Implementation:
• Develop and maintain global category strategies that align with business unit and sites objectives and deliver sustainable value.
• Implement strategies through effective project planning, stakeholder engagement, and change management.
2. Spend & Market Analysis:
• Analyze global spend data to identify trends, opportunities, and risks.
• Monitor market dynamics and emerging technologies to inform category strategies and sourcing decisions.
3. Supplier Management & Performance:
• Lead the selection, evaluation, and management of strategic suppliers, ensuring they meet our quality, cost, delivery, and sustainability requirements.
• Monitor supplier performance and drive continuous improvement through regular business reviews.
4. Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration:
• Partner with internal stakeholders, including engineering, operations, and finance, to understand their needs and ensure category strategies support their objectives.
• Facilitate cross-functional workshops and meetings to align expectations and gain support for sourcing initiatives.
5. Contract Negotiation & Management:
• Negotiate and manage global contracts, ensuring they deliver value and mitigate risks.
• Collaborate with legal counsel to ensure contracts comply with regulations and corporate policies.
6. Risk Management & Mitigation:
• Identify and mitigate risks within the supply base, including geopolitical, financial, operational, and sustainability-related risks.
• Develop and implement contingency plans and risk mitigation strategies.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Cost savings and avoidance.
• Supplier performance (On Time Delivery ; Quality).
• Contract compliance and risk mitigation.
• Stakeholder satisfaction and engagement.
• Category strategy implementation and effectiveness.

Reporting Structure:

This role reports to the Global Director of Strategic Sourcing.

Requirements:

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Proven experience (7+ years) in strategic sourcing or category management, with a focus on mechanical categories.
• Strong analytical skills, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to influence and build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to travel internationally as required (up to 30%).