Strategic Sourcing and Category Manager

Strategic Sourcing & Category Manager

M Force Partners is seeking a Strategic Sourcing & Category Manager to lead category strategy, supplier performance, and cost optimization initiatives within a complex, direct-spend manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for developing long-term sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, and driving year-over-year cost improvements while ensuring continuity of supply.

The ideal candidate is a strategic, data-driven leader with deep experience in direct materials sourcing, supplier negotiations, and cross-functional collaboration across operations, finance, and project teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies and multi-year sourcing roadmaps for assigned direct-spend categories
• Analyze total spend, pricing structures, and commercial terms to identify cost and value opportunities
• Identify, qualify, and onboard new suppliers to strengthen supply resilience and competitiveness
• Lead RFQs, RFPs, and supplier negotiations to support optimal supplier selection

Supplier Performance & Relationship Management

• Lead Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) activities, including performance reviews and corrective action plans
• Conduct Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) with key suppliers to evaluate performance, align priorities, and drive improvement
• Monitor supplier performance metrics and implement corrective actions where required
• Partner with suppliers to maintain demand-supply alignment in dynamic environments

Cost Optimization & Financial Impact

• Drive purchase price variance (PPV) containment and avoidance initiatives
• Build and manage a sustainable pipeline of cost savings through should-costing, process improvement, and innovation
• Partner with Finance to validate savings calculations and track execution of cost initiatives
• Ensure procurement savings are calculated and reported in accordance with internal guidelines

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Field Operations, Finance, Project Management, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams
• Advocate for procurement strategies that support broader business objectives
• Communicate complex sourcing strategies and performance data to senior leadership

Systems, Data & Process Excellence

• Leverage ERP, spend analytics, eSourcing, and contract management systems to support sourcing decisions
• Develop dashboards and KPIs to monitor supplier performance and sourcing effectiveness
• Support the development and execution of strategic agreements (NDA, JDA, MSA) in partnership with legal teams

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or Business Administration
• 10+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or category management within construction, manufacturing, or industrial environments
• Strong background in direct spend sourcing and supplier negotiations
• Demonstrated expertise in total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis
• Experience working with ERP systems, spend analytics tools, eSourcing platforms, and contract management systems
• Strong business acumen with the ability to influence across a matrixed organization
• Excellent written, verbal, and executive-level communication skills
• Willingness to travel 10% or more as business needs require

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or MBA
• Certifications such as CPM, CPSM, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, or PMP
• Experience in OEM, elevator, aerospace, oil & gas, or similar industries
• Familiarity with SAP, Oracle, Ariba, or comparable P2P platforms
• Experience supporting global or multi-region sourcing initiatives

Key Skills & Attributes

• Strategic, agile thinker with a results-driven mindset
• High integrity, accountability, and sense of urgency
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and changing priorities
• Strong analytical capability with the ability to translate data into actionable insights
• Collaborative leader who builds trust with internal and external partners

Job presented by M Force Partners

M Force Partners is a specialized recruitment partner connecting top-tier talent with leading organizations. With a deep understanding of engineering/technical, medical, professional and executive disciplines and industry demands, we deliver tailored recruitment solutions, including direct hire and contract placements, to ensure the right fit for both candidates and clients.

If this role isn't the right fit for you, we encourage you to explore our other opportunities at mforcepartners.com.

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Equal Opportunity Employer

M Force Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.