Category Manager

STS Technical Services is hiring a Category Manager to support strategic supply chain operations for a major manufacturing client in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. This role is responsible for developing and executing category strategies that align with business objectives while driving supplier performance, cost productivity, and operational continuity.

This position works cross functionally with Manufacturing, Finance, Engineering, Program Management, and Supply Management teams and plays a critical role in supplier strategy, contract negotiation, and risk mitigation across assigned categories.

The Category Manager is responsible for developing and implementing category strategies that support overall business goals. This includes managing supplier performance, cost productivity, sourcing strategies, contract and payment terms, and change management while measuring quality, cost, and delivery performance.

Success in this role requires strong analytical skills, supplier relationship management expertise, and the ability to lead complex sourcing initiatives in a manufacturing environment.

• Develop and execute category strategies for assigned categories, including wire harnesses or other designated commodities
  
• Plan, prepare, and execute annual value propositions for assigned spend categories
  
• Support execution of category strategies in collaboration with cross functional business teams
  
• Negotiate, manage, and maintain strategic supplier contracts, including master supply agreements
  
• Proactively identify financial and operational supply risks and deploy mitigation strategies to ensure supply continuity
  
• Solve complex supply management challenges using data driven and analytical decision making
  
• Lead and manage supplier transitions, including business case development, project planning, and execution
  
• Ensure supplier transitions minimize operational, financial, and quality risks
  
• Review, approve, monitor, and report compliance to category agreements and sourcing strategies
  
• Lead Supplier Business Reviews with key and strategic suppliers
  
• Communicate effectively with suppliers, product development, manufacturing, and internal stakeholders
  
• Manage sensitive and complex negotiations while maintaining strong supplier relationships
  

• High school diploma or equivalent
  
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in category management, procurement, supply chain, or operations
  
• Demonstrated experience interpreting internal and external business challenges and recommending best practices
  
• Strong knowledge of supply chain management, procurement processes, supplier quality, negotiation, and SOPs
  
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment
  
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and guide other employees
  
• Proven ability to manage supplier relationships and cross functional collaboration
  

• Advanced degree or professional certification in supply chain, business, or engineering
  
• Technical bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent technical background
  
• Electronics sourcing or technical procurement experience
  
• Automotive industry experience
  
• Minimum of 5 years of professional negotiation experience in a global business environment
  
• Experience improving supplier performance across multiple manufacturing facilities
  
• Demonstrated continuous improvement experience
  

• Office based role with regular interaction across manufacturing and supply chain teams
  
• Exposure to supplier negotiations, business reviews, and cross functional planning activities
  

STS Technical Services is a Top 100 Staffing Firm that partners with some of the largest names in aerospace, manufacturing, defense, and industrial operations. Our recruiting teams place talented professionals in roles where they can make an immediate impact while building long term careers.

STS Technical Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Reasonable accommodations will be made to assist individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process.

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