Category Manager - Contract Manufacturing

Category Manager Contract Manufacturing

The Category Manager Contract Manufacturing is responsible for developing and executing category strategies for contract manufacturing partners supporting Fluence's integrated energy storage and power systems. This role owns supplier commercialization, contract negotiations, cost reduction initiatives, and risk mitigation across assigned contract manufacturers. The position works functionally with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Finance, and Program teams to ensure supply continuity, cost competitiveness, and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies for contract manufacturing, including electrical integration, enclosures, metals fabrication, and system assemblies.
• Lead supplier identification, selection, qualification, and dual sourcing strategies aligned with cost, capacity, quality, and regionalization requirements.
• Manage strategic supplier relationships and lead regular business reviews.
• Delivers results under tight deadlines
• Lead negotiations for pricing, payment terms, capacity commitments, tooling, and risk sharing structures.
• Own commercial agreements including MMAs, MSAs, Statements of Work (SOWs), Long Term Agreements (LTAs), and price change negotiations.
• Support commercial resolution of end of life (EoL), obsolescence, and last time buy situations.
• Serve as the primary procurement interface for Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Program teams on contract manufacturing topics.
• Support new product introductions (NPI), design transitions, manufacturing transfers, and supplier ramp ups.
• Align sourcing decisions with production schedules, demand forecasts, and program milestones.
• Drive continuous cost reduction initiatives through should cost analysis, DFM engagement, and volume leverage.
• Track and report savings, cost avoidance, and value capture initiatives.
• Identify supplier, capacity, and geopolitical risks and develop mitigation and contingency plans.
• Lead issue escalation and recovery plans for supply continuity, quality issues, or manufacturing disruptions.
• Ensure suppliers meet Fluence requirements for quality, sustainability, and regulatory compliance, including Domestic Content and IRA considerations where applicable.
• Partner with Legal, Finance, and Compliance teams to ensure contractual and audit readiness.
• Provide concise, data driven updates to procurement leadership and executive stakeholders.
• Maintain structured trackers for supplier actions, commercial exposure, and risk items.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in strategic sourcing, category management, or procurement.
• Direct experience managing contract manufacturers or fabrication suppliers.
• Proven experience leading complex commercial negotiations.
• Strong cross functional communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in energy storage, power electronics, industrial equipment, or related industries.
• Familiarity with domestic content, localization strategies, or regulated supply chains.
• Experience supporting NPIs and manufacturing transfers.

Additional Skills

• Strong negotiation and commercial acumen.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, cost drivers, and capacity planning.
• Ability to manage ambiguity and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced Excel, reporting, and analytical skills.
• Executive level communication and presentation capabilities.

Physical & Work Environment

• Primarily office based or remote; travel (~25%) is required mainly to supplier locations.
• Ability to work across global time zones as needed.

Our Culture

At Fluence, our culture is the foundation that drives our ambitious growth strategy and fuels our mission to transform the future of energy. Our core cultural pillars empower us to innovate, collaborate, and lead with purpose, ensuring we continue to deliver unparalleled value to our customers and the world.

Unleash Voices

We believe every voice matters. We encourage openness, active listening, and decisive action to create a culture where everyone has the opportunity to contribute to our success. We foster an environment where diverse perspectives are heard and valued, driving innovation and progress.

Customer Fluent

Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We're committed to delivering exceptional value that exceeds expectations by understanding our customers' needs and adapting swiftly to meet them. Our deep focus on customer satisfaction drives us to continuously improve and innovate.

Infinite Impact

We are committed to creating the impossible. We push boundaries to deliver sustainable, game-changing solutions that shape a brighter, more energy-efficient future for all. Our team is passionate about making a lasting impact that will resonate for generations to come.

All In

We are all in for growth. Our teams are relentlessly focused on identifying and seizing opportunities that propel us forward. We embrace an ownership mindset, pushing ourselves and each other to accelerate progress and create lasting success.

Equal Opportunity Employer At Fluence, we believe great teams are built on a collaborative and connected culture. We're proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome qualified applicants of all backgrounds. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.

Work Authorization To join our team, you'll need to be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout your employment, without the need for employer sponsorship. Please note that Fluence does not sponsor work visas for this position.