What are the responsibilities and job description for the Strategic Sourcing and Category Manager position at NexTech Solutions?
Strategic Sourcing and Category Manager
Overview
We are seeking an experienced Strategic Sourcing & Category Manager to lead procurement strategy for complex direct material categories, with a strong focus on electronics and electrical components. This role is ideal for a strategic thinker who can navigate global supply chain challenges, drive cost optimization initiatives, and partner cross-functionally to support manufacturing and product development efforts.
This individual will play a key role in shaping category strategies, strengthening supplier relationships, and ensuring supply continuity in a dynamic and often constrained market environment.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute strategic sourcing and category management plans for electronics and electrical components
- Analyze spend, pricing structures, and market dynamics to identify cost savings and optimization opportunities
- Evaluate bills of materials (BOMs), technical drawings, and engineering specifications to inform sourcing decisions
- Lead supplier sourcing initiatives, including RFQs, RFPs, negotiations, and supplier selection
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, including performance management and corrective action planning
- Drive supplier consolidation and rationalization strategies while maintaining quality and delivery standards
- Implement risk mitigation strategies to address supply chain constraints and ensure material availability
- Partner with engineering, product, operations, and finance teams to align sourcing strategies with business objectives
- Manage cost reduction initiatives, including purchase price variance (PPV) and total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis
- Develop and track KPIs and performance metrics to measure supplier and category performance
- Support product lifecycle management, including end-of-life strategies and legacy component sourcing
- Lead supplier business reviews and identify continuous improvement opportunities
- Contribute to the development of long-term category roadmaps and savings pipelines
Required Skills
- 10 years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or category management within direct materials
- Strong expertise in electronics and electrical supply chains, including component-level sourcing and market dynamics
- Experience working with BOMs, engineering specifications, and manufacturing processes
- Proven ability to lead complex negotiations and manage supplier relationships in a global environment
- Strong analytical skills, including experience with cost modeling, TCO analysis, and spend analytics
- Experience with ERP systems and procurement tools (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Ariba, or similar)
- Demonstrated ability to drive cost savings and operational improvements
- Strong communication skills with the ability to present to and influence senior stakeholders
- Ability to operate in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment and manage multiple priorities effectively
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience within manufacturing, OEM, or other complex product-based industries
- Advanced degree (MBA or similar)
- Certifications in supply chain, procurement, or process improvement (e.g., CPSM, Six Sigma, PMP)
- Experience supporting global sourcing initiatives and supplier networks
How to Apply
If youre interested in learning more about this opportunity, please submit your resume for confidential consideration. Were happy to share additional details and discuss how this role aligns with your background and career goals.