Category Manager

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Global Category Manager (GCM) for Mechanical Parts

The Global Category Manager – Mechanical is responsible for

Defining and executing the global sourcing strategy for mechanical parts and tooling, in close collaboration with cross-functional teams.

The role drives supplier relationship management, commercial excellence, operational performance, and continuous improvement through structured governance and regular business reviews.

• Developing the Sourcing strategy for his category in collaboration with the Category Focus Team (CFT), bringing together members of the engineering, Operations and Quality, having it validated by internal stakeholders and managing the implementation.
• Managing the relationship with suppliers and their governance.
• Thoroughly negotiate prices and associated contract terms for all components in the category.
• Monitor the mechanical and tooling related operational activities, from Supplier Selection to monitoring of Mass production with support of Mechanical Operation Engineer

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Category Strategy & Execution

1.1. Develop and lead the global mechanical category sourcing strategy in collaboration with the Category Focus Team (CFT), including Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain, to define and propose the Sourcing strategy based on:

• Market segmentation and supplier landscape: established suppliers, new entrants, investments, etc
• Demand forecast and business roadmap
• Technology trends and manufacturing innovations
• Benchmarking versus competitors (Supplier base, decisions to make or purchase) and adjacent industries
• Proposed strategy, action plans and owner for implementing it.

1.2. Have management approval for the strategy, including action plan and owner, at least once a year.

1.3. Communicate the strategy regularly to internal stakeholders: for example, organize general meetings at key sites, training, maintain a list of preferred suppliers and a simplified strategy statement (1 page), etc.

1.4. Drive execution of approved strategies with clear action plans, ownership, and measurable KPIs.

1.5. Approve the introduction of new suppliers, whether they are part of the strategy, or whether they are subject to exceptions, or whether they provide competitive advantages requiring an update of the strategy.

1.6. Provide quarterly reporting, risk escalation, and performance tracking.

1. Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) & Governance

• 2.1. Own end-to-end supplier relationship management for mechanical and tooling suppliers.
• 2.2. Define and apply supplier segmentation and relationship models (strategic, preferred, approved).
• 2.3. Establish and lead structured governance frameworks with key suppliers.
• 2.4. Lead governance execution with internal stakeholders.
• 2.5. Develop knowledge and intimacy with suppliers. Document the organization of suppliers and identify decision-makers and influencers.

2.6. Conduct regular Supplier Business Reviews (SBRs) to

• Review cost, quality, delivery, and innovation performance
• Drive corrective actions and continuous improvement plans
• Align on roadmap, capacity, and risk mitigation

2.7. Expand collaboration beyond traditional boundaries: innovation (cross-technology adoption), joint business approach towards customers, standards bodies and other third parties.

1. Commercial & Contract Negotiation

• 3.1. Lead robust, structured, and regular price negotiations across the mechanical category portfolio.
• 3.2. Ensure early involvement in new product development and design-win negotiations to secure best commercial and technical terms.
• 3.3. Build cost model to challenge supplier pricing based on cost breakdown and/or market price data points.

3.4. Apply sourcing tools such as

• eRFQs / e-auctions
• Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis
• Cost breakdown and cost models

3.5. Negotiate all terms influencing total cost of ownership, including payment terms, incoterms, flexibility, development funds, and exclusivity.

3.6. Negotiate supplier contracts, including

• Supply and purchase agreements
• Quality agreements
• Rebates, payment terms, Incoterms, flexibility clauses

3.7. Partner with Legal to minimize commercial and supply risks while maximizing value creation and minimizing the company's risks.

1. Operational & Technical Oversight

• 4.1. Oversee mechanical and tooling-related activities from supplier selection through mass production, with support from Mechanical Operations Engineers.
• 4.2. Contribute to supplier baseline assessments and lead continuous improvement action plans.

4.3. Drive best practices in

• Tooling design and molding efficiency
• Cost optimization and productivity improvement
• Speed-to-market and on-time delivery

• 4.4. Support DFM reviews, tooling validation, and execution excellence across multiple suppliers.
• 4.5. Challenge designs where needed to optimize manufacturability, cost, and quality.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

1. Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in strategic sourcing, category management, or procurement
• Strong experience of managing global suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders.

1. Technical & Category Expertise

Solid knowledge of

• Injection molding and tooling design
• Polymer materials and manufacturing processes

• Experience in stamping and die-casting is a plus.
• Experience with DFM analysis, tooling development, validation, and process optimization.
• 3D CAD knowledge is an advantage.
• 3.Commercial & Analytical Skills
• Proven negotiation expertise with complex supplier contracts.
• Strong ability to build and analyze cost models and business cases.
• Capable of challenging supplier pricing and internal design assumptions.

1. Supplier & Business Management

• Demonstrated capability in Supplier Relationship Management (SRM).
• Experience driving regular supplier business reviews and improvement programs.
• Strong risk management and issue resolution skills.

1. Additional Advantage

• Experience in purchasing electronic materials or knowledge of electronic components is highly preferred, enabling strong collaboration across mechanical and electronic categories.
• 6.Personal Attributes
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills at all organizational levels.
• Ability to influence without authority in a matrix environment.
• Results-driven, analytical, and proactive mindset.
• Comfortable working in a multicultural, global environment.
• Strong team player with the ability to drive cross-functional alignment.

Languages

English: Mandatory

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