Team Category Leader - 3rd Party Machines & Sub-Components

Date Posted: 2026-03-16 Country: United States of America Location: OTSCH: South Carolina Home Offices Remote Location, Remote City, SC, 06032 USA Develop and implement the global sourcing strategy for Machines & Sub-Components, including gearless machines, motors, encoders, brakes, motor control assemblies, permanent magnets, castings, forgings, machined components, and related electromechanical systems, in alignment with Otis business objectives and product roadmaps. Act as RCL for the given category across Americas Lead the global category organization, including direct management of: Regional Commodity Leader (RCL) – EMEA (based in Greece) Regional Commodity Leader (RCL) – China (based in China) Ensure deployment and execution of category strategies across all regions, driving alignment of supplier strategy, technical standards, product specifications, sourcing governance, and commercial terms. Deliver annual productivity, cost reduction, cash flow, and working capital targets through competitive sourcing, strategic negotiations, should-cost analysis, value engineering, and supplier development initiatives. Lead executive-level supplier negotiations and strategic partnerships with key machine, motor, and electromechanical component suppliers worldwide. Develop global sourcing roadmaps supporting business growth, localization strategies, dual-sourcing initiatives, and long-term supply continuity. Drive category harmonization across regions while balancing regional market requirements, local content initiatives, and product-specific needs. Operational Support to Sites Provide operational support to Otis manufacturing facilities, supply chain organizations, and field operations across Americas, EMEA, and China for all machine and strategic component requirements. Monitor supplier On-Time Delivery (OTD), capacity utilization, inventory levels, and logistics performance, driving corrective actions to ensure uninterrupted supply to factories and field operations. Ensure timely and accurate implementation of pricing updates, productivity projects, and contractual agreements in coordination with sourcing teams, finance, operations, and local buyers. Enforce strict adherence to Otis procurement processes, supplier governance, risk management standards, and contractual compliance. Support regional teams in resolving supplier-related challenges, including: Capacity constraints Manufacturing disruptions Logistics delays Quality issues Machine performance concerns Encoder and brake reliability issues Cost escalations Serve as the executive escalation point for supply-critical incidents and coordinate rapid resolution through cross-functional engagement with suppliers, operations, engineering, quality, and logistics teams. Support business continuity planning and lead recovery actions during major supply chain disruptions, ensuring minimal impact to factory and customer commitments. Cost, Performance & Supply Base Management Manage the global supplier base for machines and strategic components, ensuring competitiveness, performance, innovation, and long-term sustainability. Conduct regular supplier business reviews focused on: Cost competitiveness Quality performance Delivery reliability Capacity management Continuous improvement Sustainability objectives Develop and maintain robust should-cost models covering: Electric motors Gearless machines Permanent magnets Machining operations Castings and forgings Winding processes Brake systems Electromechanical assemblies Negotiate contracts, commercial agreements, and long-term supply strategies utilizing data-driven cost models and market intelligence. Drive supplier consolidation, standardization initiatives, localization opportunities, and risk mitigation strategies while maintaining compliance with Otis policies. Ensure rigorous Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) management across the full component lifecycle. Build strong collaboration with dotted-line manufacturing and engineering resources located within Otis machine factories globally. Benchmark leading third-party machine and motor manufacturers to identify best-in-class manufacturing practices, technologies, automation methods, productivity drivers, and cost structures. Lead the deployment of identified external best practices across Otis-owned manufacturing facilities to improve: Labor productivity Conversion cost Manufacturing efficiency Automation Quality performance Throughput and capacity utilization Establish global manufacturing cost benchmarks and support internal operations in achieving world-class competitiveness versus external suppliers. Cross-Functional Leadership & Collaboration Partner closely with Engineering to align sourcing strategies with product roadmaps, technical specifications, qualification requirements, lifecycle management strategies, and future machine technologies. Support New Product Introduction (NPI), localization projects, supplier transfers, redesign activities, and value engineering initiatives. Collaborate with Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, and Continuous Improvement teams to drive productivity and operational excellence across Otis machine manufacturing sites. Build strong synergies across global procurement, engineering, quality, operations, supply chain, and finance organizations to accelerate decision making and execution. Lead global cross-functional teams focused on supply continuity, cost reduction, product competitiveness, and manufacturing excellence. Drive supplier innovation initiatives, technology scouting, and cost-reduction opportunities through collaboration with strategic suppliers and internal stakeholders. Develop and mentor regional category leaders and build a high-performing global category organization capable of supporting Otis' long-term growth objectives. Promote a culture of continuous improvement, knowledge sharing, accountability, and operational excellence across the global Machines & Strategic Components organization.

What You Will Need to Be Successful

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field; Master's degree preferred. 10+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, category management, manufacturing, operations, or engineering leadership. Strong technical understanding of: Electric motors Gearless machines Encoders Permanent magnets Brakes Machining Castings and forgings Electromechanical systems and manufacturing processes Demonstrated experience leading global teams within a matrix organization. Proven track record of complex supplier negotiations and executive stakeholder management. Strong analytical and financial skills, including should-cost modeling and Total Cost of Ownership methodologies. Experience driving manufacturing productivity and operational excellence initiatives. Ability to influence and collaborate effectively at all organizational levels. Strong leadership, communication, and multicultural management capabilities. Ability to travel internationally up to 25%.

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