What are the responsibilities and job description for the Global Category Manager - Electronics position at Franklin Electric?
Department: Logistics / Supply Chain / Distribution / Transportation
Location: US - Indiana - Fort Wayne
Embark on a career journey with Franklin Electric, where your passion meets purpose, and every day is an opportunity to make a difference in our global communities in providing access to water, fuel and electricity.
The Global Category Manager - Electronics provides strategic leadership for the global Electronics category portfolio, guiding sourcing and supplier management activities that support business objectives and operational needs. This role is responsible for developing and executing category strategies, fostering strong supplier partnerships, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive value, innovation, and supply continuity across the organization. The Global Category Manager monitors market dynamics, industry trends, and emerging technologies to support informed decision-making and a resilient supply base. As a key leader within the procurement organization, this position provides category expertise, influences strategic initiatives, and helps strengthen capabilities across the broader sourcing team.
Franklin Electric is a diverse team of innovators making a positive global impact since 1944. We offer innovative water solutions, ensuring access, treatment, and efficient management of this vital resource. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our innovative products, industry leading quality products, exceptional customer service, employee development, and passion for social responsibility.
Join us to create a better future while growing professionally in a supportive environment!
MOVE FORWARD WITH US
What you will be doing:
- Serves as the resident subject-matter expert on factors relevant to the electronics category, including product knowledge, applications/usage, processing knowledge, cost structure, global market dynamics, supplier capabilities, supplier market share, and supplier benchmarking.
- Develops and executes multi-year global category strategies and playbooks for electronic components, balancing cost, innovation, quality, and supply continuity.
- Utilizes contract negotiation, process changes, and implementation of sustainable cost controls—including collaboration with Finance—to validate the impact of proposed projects and drive stakeholder approval.
- Drafts, negotiates, and executes supplier contracts and Master Supply Agreements (MSAs), managing terms, liability, tooling, and pricing mechanisms.
- Manages semiconductor allocation, component lifecycle (EOL/PCN), obsolescence, and supply shortage mitigation to protect production continuity.
- Uses strategic sourcing tools to proactively conduct spend analysis, maintain should-cost and cost models by supplier and category, and communicate overall supplier performance, technology trends, and market conditions.
- Manages, develops, and maintains business relationships with suppliers and Electronic Manufacturing Service (EMS) partners, including supplier segmentation and relationship management.
- Manages and implements strategies and goals for the electronics category that support department objectives for quality, cost, payment terms, and supplier development.
- Leads supplier quality, delivery, cost, and performance management, driving corrective actions and continuous improvement (PPM, OTD, 8D).
- Supports New Product Introduction (NPI/NSI) with early supplier involvement, design-to-cost, and VA/VE initiatives in partnership with Engineering.
- Drives regionalization/localization strategies and dual-sourcing to reduce risk and total cost of ownership across the Americas, EMEA, APAC, and India.
- Routinely presents proposals, recommendations, and category metrics to senior leadership.
- Mentors and provides guidance to junior category managers and sourcing specialists; may act as team lead for the electronics category.
- Applies 7-Step Strategic Sourcing or other recognized strategic sourcing methodologies.
If you are a self-motivated and collaborative individual who is passionate about making a positive impact, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.
- Hard-working winners - Confident, competitive, and results-oriented professionals who create a track record of success.
- Dedicated achievers - People who thrive in a fast-paced environment and will stop at nothing to ensure a project is complete and meets regulations and expectations.
What you need:
- Ability to analyze complex information and evaluates results to select the best solution and solve multi-variable problems.
- Ability to identify underlying principles, reasons, facts, and cost drivers by breaking down data into component parts.
- Ability to read and interpret technical documents such as engineering drawings, specifications, policy manuals, and procedure manuals.
- Strong experience in contract management, including complex contract and MSA negotiation.
- Exceptional analytical, data, and risk-management skills—prediction, identification, and mitigation of supply risk.
- Deep understanding of electronic components, PCB/PCBA manufacturing, semiconductor markets, and EMS supply chains preferred.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without direct authority at the executive level.
- Required Years of Experience: 7-10 years of relevant category management / strategic sourcing experience, with a significant portion in the electronics or electrical components space.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, Supply Chain, or equivalent; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
- Knowledge: Functional understanding of JDE or ERP systems, supply chain, logistics, warehousing, distribution, importing, exporting, and shipping.
- Professional certification such as C.P.M., CPSM, or CPM is a plus.
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access) with Power BI for spend analytics and dashboards.
COMPANY VALUES & BENEFITS
FE provides many opportunities to learn and grow through development opportunities such as training, certifications, mentorship, leadership programs, tuition reimbursement, one-on-one coaching and more! We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and amenities such as:
- Hybrid remote work arrangements
- Generous paid time off & holidays
- Paid parental leave & on-site motherhood rooms
- On site café & complimentary beverage stations
- Indoor fitness facility & outdoor walking paths
- 401(k) with matching & service contributions
- Health, dental, vision, life insurance
- Short & long-term disability
- Fertility & adoption support
- Undergraduate & graduate tuition reimbursement
- Professional development assistance
- Health & wellness programs