Category Manager - R&D and Electro-Mechanical

Job Location: Bothell, Washington, USA

Job Requisition ID: 15168

The Category Manager - R&D and Electro-Mechanical is responsible for providing strategic sourcing and category management leadership in support of New Product Introduction (NPI) and Research & Development (R&D) activities. This role ensures early supplier engagement, disciplined supplier selection, and best-in-class procurement practices that directly influence cost, quality, supply continuity, and manufacturability throughout the product lifecycle.

The position manages high-value, technically complex direct spend across electro-mechanical components, electronics, raw materials, injection molding, and R&D services. Acting as the sourcing lead during early design phases, the Category Manager drives optimal cost of goods sold (COGS), mitigates supply risk, and enables a seamless transition from development to production manufacturing.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

The following responsibilities are representative but not all-inclusive.

New Product Introduction (NPI) & Early Development Sourcing

• Lead sourcing strategy development for NPI and R&D programs to ensure best-value supply solutions over the full product lifecycle.
• Drive early supplier involvement activities to influence design for cost, quality, manufacturability, and supply continuity.
• Partner with R&D Engineers and Program Managers to align sourcing strategies with program timelines, technical requirements, and cost targets.
• Serve as the primary procurement interface for assigned NPI programs, attending project reviews and material readiness meetings as required.
• Ensure successful transition of sourced components and suppliers from R&D into Production Procurement.

Category Management & Strategic Sourcing

• Own and execute category strategies for high-spend electro-mechanical direct categories, including electronics, raw materials, injection molding, and other critical manufacturing technologies.
• Conduct competitive sourcing events (RFQs/RFPs), supplier negotiations, and cost analyses for high-value and technically complex spend.
• Develop deep understanding of category cost drivers, supplier economics, and market dynamics to optimize total cost of ownership.
• Establish and manage preferred supplier strategies aligned with long-term business, technology, and risk objectives.

Supplier Management & Risk Mitigation

• Cultivate and manage strategic supplier relationships to support innovation, scalability, and performance excellence.
• Lead supplier assessments and support supplier qualification activities in collaboration with Quality, Engineering, and Finance.
• Identify supply risks and proactively develop mitigation strategies, including alternate sourcing and technology roadmaps.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers focused on cost, quality, delivery, and service performance.

Cost Management & Financial Analysis

• Drive strategic cost reduction and cost avoidance initiatives through sourcing strategies, negotiations, and design-for-cost opportunities.
• Develop and maintain costed Bills of Material (BOMs) during prototype and pre-production phases.
• Perform financial analysis, scenario modeling, and "what-if" assessments to support sourcing decisions and business cases.
• Monitor and report key financial metrics related to NPI and R&D/direct spend as required.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Production Buyers, Planners, Engineering, Quality, Finance, and Program Management to ensure alignment across the product lifecycle.
• Support compliance with FDA, ISO, and internal quality system requirements related to supplier selection and management.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of procurement processes, tools, and best practices.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Material Sciences). Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration / Operations Management, or a related technical field is preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 8-12+ years of progressive procurement or sourcing experience, with demonstrated leadership in NPI and direct material sourcing.
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in direct materials sourcing operating in a regulated medical device environment, including ISO13485
• Proven experience managing complex electro-mechanical categories, including PCBAs and EMS/contract electronics manufacturers, raw materials, and mechanical components.
• Demonstrated success leading strategic sourcing initiatives and competitive bid processes.
• Demonstrated experience embedded in NPI teams
• Demonstrated experience with direct ownership of:
• Supplier selection during design phases
• Design to Cost activities
• Prototype, pilot and production transitions

Soft Skills & Leadership Expectations

• Ability to lead without authority across R&D, Ops, Quality, and Finance
• Strong executive communication skills
• Comfort operating with ambiguity during early development
• Proven ability to:
  • Challenge design assumptions constructively
  • Influence engineers on cost and manufacturability
  • Balance innovation with supply-chain risk

Knowledge & Skills

• Advanced knowledge of category management, strategic sourcing, and supplier relationship management. Strong understanding of BOM structures, component specifications, and cost drivers.
• Experience with ERP systems, planning tools, and advanced Excel financial modeling.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Experience negotiating: Design & Development Agreements, Statements of Work (SOWs), Transition to commercial Supply Agreements
• Understanding of: Component life cycles and obsolescence, Test strategies and yield drivers, Cost drivers (BOM, labor, NRE, test)
• Mechanical Categories: Injection molding (tooling strategy, cavitation, resin selection), Precision machining (tight tolerance parts), Sheet metal and fabricated assemblies, Pumps, motors, and electromechanical subsystems
• Strong working knowledge of Raw materials such as Thermoplastics, Elastomers, Metals, Ceramics, Adhesives, Coatings, Electronics

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working within FDA and ISO regulated quality systems.
• Prior experience supporting R&D to Production transitions.
• Professional certifications CPSM / CPM or APICS CSCP or CPIM

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift up to 10 pounds for short durations.
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• Daily computer and keyboard use required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Primarily office-based with periodic presence in manufacturing and supplier environments.
• Occasional domestic travel (~5%).

SAFETY

Solta Medical is committed to the health and safety of its employees. All employees are expected to perform their responsibilities in a safe, cooperative, and productive manner.

The range of starting base pay for this role is 110K-152K. Actual starting pay will be based on a wide range of factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, qualifications, education and location. In addition to base pay, this position is eligible for participation in either (i) our annual bonus program or (ii) a sales incentive plan.

Benefits package includes a comprehensive Medical (includes Prescription Drug), Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts, 401(k) with matching company contribution, discretionary time off, paid sick time, stock purchase plan, tuition reimbursement, parental leave, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment insurance, paid holidays, employee referral bonuses and employee discounts.