Job Summary
The Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing global sourcing and category management strategies for assigned commodities to ensure cost competitiveness, supply continuity, quality improvement, and supplier performance. The role works closely with global stakeholders, regional procurement teams, and strategic suppliers to drive procurement excellence, risk mitigation, and long-term business value for the Frencken Group.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement category strategies for assigned commodities, including sheet metal, precision machining, raw materials, surface treatment, and mechanical assemblies.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and other stakeholders to align procurement strategies with business objectives.
- Manage strategic supplier relationships through supplier performance reviews, business reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Lead sourcing activities, supplier selection, contract negotiations, cost reduction initiatives, and supply risk management programs.
- Monitor market trends, commodity pricing, supplier capabilities, and industry developments to support strategic decision-making.
- Guide regional procurement teams in executing category strategies and achieving procurement objectives.
- Act as the escalation point for category-related supplier and supply chain issues.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related discipline. Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Mechatronics Engineering background is preferred.
- Minimum 5 years of procurement or sourcing experience, including at least 3 years in Category Management within a multinational manufacturing environment.
- Proven experience managing global or regional spend in sheet metal, precision machining, fabrication, metal components, and mechanical assemblies.
- Strong experience in strategic sourcing, supplier management, contract negotiation, cost optimization, and supply risk mitigation.
- Good understanding of manufacturing processes, including sheet metal fabrication, precision machining, surface treatment, and metal raw materials.
- Strong analytical, stakeholder management, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP preferred), Microsoft Office, and procurement analytics tools.
- Experience leading cross-functional and cross-regional projects within a matrix organization.
- Ability to engage and influence stakeholders, suppliers, and senior leadership in a global business environment.
