Category Manager - Engineered Productions

Job Description

Job Description

Position Title: Category Manager – Engineered Products

Location: Remote locations in proximity to major airports will be considered.

Arnold Magnetic Technologies is a global leader in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of high-performance permanent magnets, magnetic assemblies, precision thin metals, and engineered solutions for mission-critical applications. Our products serve aerospace, defense, medical, energy, and industrial markets worldwide. With a commitment to innovation, technical excellence, and customer satisfaction, Arnold delivers solutions that enable the world’s most demanding applications.

The Category Manager – Engineered Products is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for a portfolio of precision-machined and engineered components, including tooling, motor components, and specialized parts such as shafts, sleeves , and other custom assemblies. This role partners closely with engineering, operations, and suppliers to ensure cost-effective, high-quality, and reliable supply of technically complex components that support Arnold Magnetics’ manufacturing operations. This position will lead supplier selection, cost optimization initiatives, and risk mitigation strategies across global supply markets. The Category Manager will partner closely with the Director of Procurement to build foundational tools that drive standardization across all business entities.

• Lead the Procurement function, including optimization of strategies, suppliers, processes, and personnel, to deliver products and services at lowest total system cost.
• Direct the strategic professionalization of the Procurement function and establish process and cadence to deliver exceptional cost savings year-over-year.
• Manage vendor relationships and establish KPIs and scorecards to drive improvement.

• Establish a reputation for excellence and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Category Strategy and Execution

• Develop and execute category strategies for engineered products aligned to business objectives, cost targets, and supply continuity.
• Identify, prioritize, and execute a pipeline of strategic sourcing initiatives to deliver cost savings, quality improvements, and service enhancements.
• Lead sourcing events including RFQs/RFPs, supplier benchmarking, negotiations, and contract execution.
• Drive supplier consolidation and rationalization where appropriate to leverage scale and improve performance.
• Partner with engineering and operations to challenge specifications and identify value engineering opportunities.
• Establish and maintain category roadmaps informed by spend analysis, demand forecasts, and market conditions.

• Develop and manage strategic supplier relationships for engineered components, ensuring alignment on cost, quality, delivery, and innovation.
• Establish supplier performance KPIs and scorecards; conduct regular business reviews to drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure suppliers meet contractual obligations, quality standards, and delivery expectations.
• Partner with suppliers to improve manufacturability, reduce lead times, and optimize cost structures.
• Lead escalation and resolution of supplier performance issues, including quality and delivery disruptions.
• Identify and qualify alternate and dual sources to mitigate supply risk.

• Collaborate closely with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to support new product introductions (NPI) and engineering changes.
• Interpret technical drawings, specifications, and tolerance to ensure supplier capability alignment.
• Engage suppliers early in the design process to drive design-for-manufacturability (DFM) and cost optimization.
• Support make vs. buy decisions and sourcing strategies for complex engineered components.
• Act as the primary procurement interface for all engineered product categories.

• Drive total cost of ownership (TCO) improvements through negotiations, process improvements, and supply base optimization.
• Conduct should-cost and benchmarking analyses for machined and engineered components.
• Identify and implement cost reduction initiatives including resourcing, process changes, and material substitutions.
• Track and report cost savings, cost avoidance, and inflation impacts.
• Support budgeting and forecasting activities related to category spend

Procurement Operations and Execution

• Ensure effective execution of sourcing strategies through alignment with buyers, planners, and operations teams.
• Support procurement planning activities by aligning supplier capabilities with demand requirements and lead times.
• Partner with planning and production teams to manage supply constraints, expedite critical components, and resolve shortages.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, contracts, and system processes.
• Drive continuous improvement in sourcing and procurement process, tools, and data integrity.

Risk Management and Supply Continuity

• Identify and proactively mitigate supply risks related to capacity, single sourcing, geopolitical factors, and material constraints.
• Develop and maintain risk mitigation strategies including dual sourcing, safety stock strategies, and supplier development.

Market Intelligence and Category Insights

• Monitor global and regional supply markets for machined components, tooling, and engineered products.
• Analyze trends in raw materials, labor, capacity, and technology impacting cost and availability.
• Provide insights and recommendations to stakeholders based on market conditions and supplier capabilities.
• Stay informed on advancements in manufacturing processes (e.g. machining and fabrication)
• Leverage data analytics to inform sourcing decisions and measure performance of category initiatives.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering, or related field required.
• Experience: 8+ years of experience in Procurement roles with track record for progression into roles with greater responsibility.
• 3+ years of experience as an industrial manufacturing Sourcing Manager or Commodity Manager with direct responsibility for developing and executing strategy.
• Expertise in strategic sourcing, procurement, and vendor management – additional experience across planning, inventory management, and logistics is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong supplier relationships to manage performance for quality, delivery, and working capital (including payment terms and inventory value).
• A hands-on, resourceful, entrepreneurial approach and ability to balance strategic leadership with day-to-day execution.
• Proven track record for driving cost-out initiatives to deliver significant, year-over-year cost savings for direct materials and across all variety of indirect spend.
• Willingness to travel internationally as needed.

• Strategic leadership with strong execution skills.
• Financial acumen and solid understanding of market economic factors & trends.
• Strong influencing and negotiation abilities.
• Data-driven decision-making with operational discipline.
• Ability to inspire and collaborate with diverse global teams.

• Be part of a market leader in advanced magnetic and materials technology.
• Shape the global Procurement function and direction for a rapidly growing, technology-driven, innovative company.
• Collaborate with a world-class team dedicated to engineering excellence and customer success.

Arnold Magnetic Technologies is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected status or characteristic. Minority/Female/Sexual Orientation/General Identity/Disability/Veteran