Job Description
The Category Manager is responsible for leading category strategy, sourcing, supplier management, supplier quality and cost optimization initiatives for their category that support the company's manufacturing and distribution of automotive aftermarket parts and accessories. This role focuses on securing reliable suppliers, managing total cost of ownership, and ensuring that all sourced products meet stringent quality, cost, and delivery standards. The Category Manager plays a critical role in ensuring that the company remains competitive and responsive in a dynamic aftermarket environment driven by product availability, speed to market, and value.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Strategic Sourcing & Category Management - Develop and execute sourcing strategies for key categories such as metals, plastics, rubber, electronic components, and packaging materials used in aftermarket parts and accessories.
- Identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers to ensure reliable, high-quality, and cost-effective supply.
- Lead supplier quoting (RFQ), bid analysis, and negotiation processes to achieve best total cost of ownership (TCO).
- Support new product development (NPD) and product line expansion by sourcing components and assemblies that align with market timing and cost goals.
- Develop sourcing plans to mitigate risk from single-source suppliers and global supply chain disruptions.
- Work with suppliers to correct and mitigate quality risks.
Supplier Relationship Management - Establish and maintain strong relationships with both domestic and global suppliers, ensuring alignment on quality, pricing, and delivery commitments.
- Implement and manage supplier performance metrics (quality, delivery, cost, and responsiveness).
- Conduct regular supplier business reviews and lead corrective action plans as needed.
- Ensure suppliers comply with automotive industry standards (IATF 16949, ISO 9001) and environmental regulations (RoHS, REACH).
- Partners with suppliers to identify value engineering opportunities, cost reductions, and process improvements.
Cross-Functional Collaboration - Work closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Product Management teams to support product launches and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Coordinate with Logistics and Production teams to balance inventory levels, lead times, and supply availability.
- Support Finance in budgeting, cost tracking, and forecasting for sourced materials.
- Provide market intelligence on material costs, tariffs, and freight to guide strategic business decisions.
Continuous Improvement & Cost Leadership - Drive annual cost reduction and value improvement programs (VA/VE).
- Analyze spending data to identify cost savings, consolidation, and localization opportunities.
- Support sustainability initiatives including recyclable materials and packaging optimization.
- Monitor and report on industry trends, supplier capabilities, and new sourcing opportunities.
Performance Metrics - Annual cost savings and margin improvement.
- Supplier quality and on-time delivery performance.
- Sourcing lead time and NPD launch support.
- Supplier consolidation and localization success.
- Compliance with internal and external quality standards.
Work Environment - Office and manufacturing floor environment.
- Domestic and international supplier travel (10-20%) as needed.
Characteristics and skills: - Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
- Deep understanding of cost modeling, total cost of ownership (TCO), and supplier performance metrics.
- Knowledge of manufacturing processes relevant to automotive parts (stamping, casting, machining, plastic injection molding, assembly).
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
- ERP/MRP system proficiency (e.g., JDE, SAP, Epicor, Oracle, or similar).
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial aftermarket environment.
- Technical background sourcing chemicals or chemical products (nice-to-have)
Educational and other requirements: - Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Business, Engineering, or related field required.
- 3+ years of experience in sourcing, purchasing, or supply chain management, ideally within the automotive aftermarket or automotive components manufacturing industry.
- Proven experience with global sourcing and supplier management across multiple commodities.
- Familiarity with automotive aftermarket distribution channels and customer expectations.
- Professional certification (CPSM, CSCP, CPM, or APICS) preferred.
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Job Tags
Contract work, Work at office,