Category Manager

MSH Talent Solutions is partnering with a leading global manufacturer within the foodservice and beverage equipment industry to identify a Category Manager, Electronics. Backed by one of the world's most respected industrial organizations, this role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on supplier strategy, cost optimization, supply chain resiliency, and new product development initiatives. This is a highly visible position within a growing sourcing organization and offers strong long-term career growth potential, including future leadership and succession opportunities.

Position Overview

The Category Manager will be responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies across a broad portfolio of electronic and electromechanical components. This individual will partner closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Product Management, and Supply Chain teams to drive supplier performance, support new product development, and identify opportunities to improve cost, quality, delivery, and innovation.

The successful candidate will manage a complex supplier network, lead strategic negotiations, and drive sourcing initiatives tied to approximately $11M in annual cost savings opportunities while balancing total cost of ownership (TCO), supply continuity, and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing and category strategies for electronic and electromechanical components.
• Manage relationships with approximately 50–60 direct suppliers and oversee a broader supplier network of 70–100 suppliers.
• Drive sourcing initiatives tied to approximately $11M in annual cost savings opportunities while balancing quality, delivery, innovation, and total cost of ownership (TCO).
• Lead supplier negotiations involving pricing, contracts, payment terms, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Evaluate supplier performance across quality, delivery, service, and cost metrics.
• Drive supplier development and continuous improvement initiatives utilizing supplier scorecards and performance management tools.
• Support supply continuity and resolve supplier escalations impacting production or customer delivery.
• Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Product Management, Operations, and Supply Chain teams.
• Support new product development initiatives and supplier involvement throughout the product lifecycle.
• Evaluate supply chain resiliency, localization opportunities, outsourcing/insourcing strategies, and risk mitigation plans. Utilize data and analytics to support strategic decision-making and category planning.

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, Operations, or a related field.
• 7 years of strategic sourcing, procurement, or category management experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience sourcing electronic, electromechanical, electrical, metal, plastic, or related components.
• Strong supplier negotiation and supplier relationship management experience.
• Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive business outcomes.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills