Category Manager - Metal Fabrication

ABOUT THE ROLE

A leading global machinery manufacturer is seeking a strategic and results-oriented Category Manager to oversee procurement activities for mechanical/metal fab commodities across North America. This role is responsible for developing and executing category strategies for components such as stampings, forgings, and castings, with a focus on cost optimization, supplier performance management, and category strategy development.

The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in mechanical supply chains, strong analytical capabilities, and a proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives in a high-volume environment. This is a high-impact role that interfaces with engineering, operations, and quality teams to ensure seamless integration of sourced components into production.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute regional dual sourcing strategies for mechanical commodities (e.g., stampings, castings, machining, metal fabrication), aligned with global procurement objectives to optimize cost, ensure supply continuity, and mitigate risk.
• Lead supplier selection, contract negotiations, and performance management, with a strong focus on contractualization, cost optimization, and building long-term strategic relationships.
• Conduct detailed process cost breakdowns and design-to-cost activities, leveraging deep technical knowledge of mechanical processes to challenge suppliers and identify the most efficient manufacturing methods for each part.
• Drive category strategy development, including supplier segmentation, SWOT analysis, market trend evaluation, and synergy identification, to build a resilient and competitive supplier panel.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, operations, supply chain, and global teams to support new product introductions, product changes, and value engineering initiatives.
• Lead supplier design reviews, ensuring manufacturability, cost efficiency, and alignment with technical specifications.
• Manage supplier contracts and payment terms, ensuring agreements are properly structured, negotiated, and executed in accordance with company policies and risk mitigation standards.
• Deliver measurable cost savings and value creation, with a results-oriented mindset and the ability to build and execute savings plans, track performance, and lead business reviews.
• Monitor market trends, tariffs, and geopolitical shifts, proactively identifying sourcing opportunities (e.g., nearshoring stamping to Mexico) and adapting strategies to evolving global conditions.
• Navigate a complex, matrixed global organization, engaging with diverse stakeholders across engineering, marketing, sales, and operations, and managing multiple priorities in a dynamic transformation environment.
• Ensure supplier compliance with corporate policies, ethical standards, and sustainability goals, while driving continuous improvement initiatives across the supply base.
• Provide regular reporting and insights into leadership on category performance, risks, opportunities, and strategic initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field; Master's preferred.
• 7-10 years of experience in strategic sourcing or category management, ideally within industrial or heavy manufacturing sectors.
• Strong understanding of mechanical and metal fabrication components and processes, including castings, forgings, stampings, welding, machining, etc.
• Excellent negotiation, intrapersonal communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and procurement tools; experience with cost modeling is a plus.
• Ability to travel up to 40% across the region.