Electronicsearch

New Job Opportunity: Strategic Category Manager – Melbourne, FL

Contact: Susan Fine      Ref: 8086

Description:

The Strategic Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for key electronic, electro-mechanical, and mechanical categories, in close collaboration with engineering, that support the design and manufacturing of communications products. This role plays a critical part in supplier selection, cost management, risk mitigation, and long-term category planning. The ideal candidate brings strong technical knowledge—preferably in electronics, RF systems, or related engineering disciplines—paired with expertise in global sourcing, supplier negotiations, and supply chain optimization. The Strategic Category Manager partners closely with engineering, operations, quality, and program management to ensure robust supply continuity for both new product development (NPD) and ongoing production.

Responsibilities:

Category Strategy & Supplier Management

• Develop and implement category strategies for electronic components, RF modules, PCBs, mechanical assemblies, plastics, and contract manufacturing services.
• Identify, evaluate, qualify, and manage suppliers to ensure capability, capacity, quality, and alignment with company requirements.
• Lead supplier evaluations, audits, performance reviews, and long-term development plans.
• Establish and manage multi-year commodity roadmaps, including cost models, should-cost analyses, and competitive benchmarks.

Sourcing & Contracting

• Drive RFQs, lead negotiations, and secure contracts for pricing, supply, terms, warranties, and strategic agreements.
• Collaborate with legal and compliance teams on contract terms, NDAs, and long-term supply agreements.
• Manage supplier risk by monitoring market trends, geopolitical factors, component obsolescence, and semiconductor industry dynamics.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with engineering and NPD teams to support component selection, AVL development, Lifecycle management, and early supplier involvement.
• Coordinate with operations and planning teams on production needs, demand changes, and lead-time optimizations.
• Work with quality teams on supplier corrective actions, PPAPs, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support cost-reduction activities, value-engineering projects, and DFM feedback loops for product designs.

Cost, Inventory & Performance Management

• Drive cost-savings initiatives through negotiation, VA/VE projects, and supply base optimization.
• Monitor and improve key metrics such as on-time delivery, PPV, quality, lead time, supply assurance, and total cost of ownership.
• Collaborate with planning to ensure healthy inventory levels, buffer strategies, and supply continuity for build plans.
• Analyze category-level data, market forecasts, and product lifecycle impacts to support executive decision-making.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with engineering and NPD teams to support component selection, AVL development, Lifecycle management, and early supplier involvement.
• Coordinate with operations and planning teams on production needs, demand changes, and lead-time optimizations.
• Work with quality teams on supplier corrective actions, PPAPs, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support cost-reduction activities, value-engineering projects, and DFM feedback loops for product designs.

Cost, Inventory & Performance Management

• Drive cost-savings initiatives through negotiation, VA/VE projects, and supply base optimization.
• Monitor and improve key metrics such as on-time delivery, PPV, quality, lead time, supply assurance, and total cost of ownership.
• Collaborate with planning to ensure healthy inventory levels, buffer strategies, and supply continuity for build plans.
• Analyze category-level data, market forecasts, and product lifecycle impacts to support executive decision-making.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, Systems Engineering) or a related technical field; Master’s degree or Supply Chain certification (CSCP, CPSM) a plus.
• 7+ years of sourcing, category management, procurement, or supply chain experience in electronics manufacturing, OEM, EMS, or RF industries.
• Strong understanding of electronic components (active, passive, RF), PCBs, EMS/contract manufacturing, and LMR or communication systems.
• Proven experience in supplier negotiations, contract development, and global sourcing strategies.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and data-driven analysis.
• Excellent communication, project management, and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Comfortable reading drawings, understanding BOMs, and engaging with engineering on technical decisions.
• Builds long-term sourcing strategies and supplier roadmaps.
• Negotiation Expertise including skilled at achieving cost, quality, and delivery objectives.
• Risk Mitigation Focus, anticipates and manages market volatility, shortages, and supply continuity risks.
• Analytical Strength – Data-oriented approach to cost modeling, forecasting, and supplier analysis.
• Able to Collaborate and Influence – Works effectively with engineering, operations, and suppliers.

Compensation: Based on Experience

Email resume to resume@electronicsearch.com and put Ref# 8086 in the subject line.