Role Description

The Category Manager is responsible for thestrategic sourcing, development, and management of assigned procurementcategories and supplier relationships. This role develops and executes categorystrategies that support cost-effective sourcing, supplier performance, materialavailability, and overall business objectives. The Category Manager worksclosely with Program Management, Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing,Operations, Contracts, and Procurement to develop sourcing strategies, evaluatemake-versus-buy opportunities, establish supplier agreements, and ensure the organizationmaintains a reliable and competitive supply base.

Essential Job Functions
• Manage and maintain accountability forassigned procurement categories and associated supplier base, includingsupplier evaluations, sourcing activities, strategic planning, and supplierdevelopment.
• Develop and execute strategic sourcing plansfor assigned categories in alignment with company objectives, operationalrequirements, and project needs.
• Identify, evaluate, and develop newsuppliers to strengthen the company's supply base, improve competitiveness, andmitigate supply chain risk.
• Lead the sourcing process for assignedcategories, including supplier identification, bid evaluation, negotiations,selection, and transition of awarded business to Procurement for tacticalpurchasing.
• Negotiate Master Terms Agreements (MTA),contracts, pricing agreements, performance requirements, and service-levelagreements with suppliers.
• Establish and maintain strong supplierrelationships while holding suppliers accountable for agreed-upon cost,quality, delivery, and performance expectations.
• Develop and monitor supplier Key PerformanceIndicators (KPIs) and take corrective action when suppliers fail to meetestablished requirements.
• Collaborate closely with Program Management,Engineering, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, Operations, Contracts, andProcurement to ensure sourcing strategies meet program and operationalrequirements.
• Represent Procurement in sourcing strategymeetings, program risk reviews, and other cross-functional planning activities.
• Coordinate sourcing objectives acrossEngineering, Operations, Manufacturing, and other functional organizations toensure alignment of technical, commercial, quality, and delivery requirements.
• Lead make-versus-buy analysis and providerecommendations based on cost, capability, capacity, quality, schedule, andstrategic considerations.
• Evaluate category and supplier risks anddevelop mitigation strategies to ensure continuity of supply and achievement ofprogram requirements.
• Partner with Procurement and otherstakeholders to monitor supplier delivery, receiving, inspection, invoicing,and payment issues and facilitate timely resolution.
• Develop and maintain category and supplierperformance metrics and provide regular reporting and recommendations tomanagement.
• Identify and implement continuousimprovement opportunities related to sourcing, supplier performance, costreduction, material availability, and procurement processes.
• Support the development and implementationof Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), supplier stocking, and other supply chainstrategies where appropriate.
• Ensure sourcing and supplier managementactivities are conducted in accordance with company policies, procedures, andapplicable regulatory and contractual requirements.
• Serve as a subject matter expert andinternal resource on strategic sourcing, category management, supplierdevelopment, and procurement practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications, Education andExperience
• Bachelor's degree in Supply ChainManagement, Procurement, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 7-10 years of progressive experience incategory management, strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chainmanagement, preferably within an aerospace, aviation, manufacturing, or othercomplex project-based environment.
• Demonstrated experience developing andexecuting category strategies and managing strategic supplier relationships.
• Experience negotiating supplier agreements,contracts, pricing, performance requirements, and service-level agreements.
• Experience working within complexmanufacturing, project-based, and/or serial production environments.
• Experience with make-versus-buy analysis,supplier development, and supply chain risk management.
• Experience with Vendor Managed Inventory(VMI) or similar supplier inventory programs preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leadingcross-functional projects and implementing process or organizational change.

Required Skills and Abilities
• Strong understanding of strategic sourcing,category management, procurement, supplier management, and supply chainprinciples.
• Strong analytical and financial skills,including the ability to evaluate supplier pricing, total cost, sourcingalternatives, and business cases.
• Excellent negotiation and contractmanagement skills.
• Strong project management and changemanagement capabilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonalskills with the ability to effectively influence internal and externalstakeholders.
• Advanced organizational and time-managementskills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and complex projectssimultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving skills with theability to identify supply chain risks and develop effective mitigationstrategies.
• Ability to establish and maintain productiverelationships with suppliers, internal stakeholders, and senior leadership.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Officeapplications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Experience with ERP, procurement, sourcing,or supply chain management systems.
• Results-oriented with a hands-on, proactive,and continuous-improvement mindset.
• Ability to represent Comlux professionallyas a supply chain and procurement subject matter expert with both internal andexternal stakeholders.

Work Environment

This position is based in an aircraft hangarenvironment and may involve:
• Exposure to varying temperatures and weatherconditions
• Loud noise levels
• Use of heavy machinery and specialized tools
• Potential contact with chemicals orhazardous materials
• Working in confined aircraft interior spaces

Why join us?

Your success is our success. We provide acompetitive and comprehensive total rewards package that supports you and yourfamily.
• 401(k) with company annual contributionequal to 3% of eligible compensation
• Company-sponsored HSA
• 100% company-paid vision premiums
• Medical, Dental, Life Insurance, and EAPbenefits
• Free financial consultations and guidance

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