Lead Category Manager, Indirect - Capital Equipment-HybridTowson, MD, or New Britain, CT.
The Job: The Lead Category Manager, Capital Equipment is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for the capital equipment category in support of Stanley Black & Decker's global operations and supply chain objectives. This role will partner closely with manufacturing, engineering, operations, finance, and regional procurement teams to drive value across equipment spend through strategic sourcing, supplier management, cost optimization, risk mitigation, and contract execution.
Reporting to the Strategic Sourcing Indirect Director - Global Ops, this position will support enterprise and regional capital investment priorities by identifying sourcing opportunities, improving total cost of ownership, strengthening supplier performance, and enabling operational efficiency across the manufacturing network.
Key Responsibilities- Develop and execute category strategies for equipment aligned with business priorities, plant requirements, and broader supply management objectives.
- Lead sourcing initiatives for capital equipment, including supplier selection, RFx execution, commercial negotiations, and contract implementation.
- Partner with engineering, manufacturing, maintenance, operations, and finance stakeholders to understand equipment requirements and support capital project execution.
- Drive total cost of ownership (TCO) improvements across capital equipment spend, including acquisition cost, installation, service, maintenance, lifecycle cost, and supplier performance.
- Identify and implement opportunities for supplier rationalization, standardization, and specification alignment where appropriate.
- Support capital planning processes by providing market intelligence, cost analysis, sourcing recommendations, and supplier insights.
- Manage supplier relationships for key capital equipment providers to improve quality, delivery, service, innovation, and cost competitiveness.
- Monitor supplier performance and address risks related to capacity, lead times, quality, continuity of supply, and commercial exposure.
- Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, service agreements, warranties, and other contractual elements to support business requirements and reduce risk.
- Use data and analytics to track category performance, savings delivery, project milestones, contract compliance, and supplier KPIs.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives, value engineering opportunities, and process standardization across the capital equipment category.
- Ensure sourcing activities comply with company policies, procurement standards, and applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
The Person: - Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Operations, Finance, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, category management, procurement, supply chain, or related roles.
- 3+ years of experience in capital equipment sourcing, category management, or supplier management within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
- Experience leading sourcing events, supplier negotiations, and contract execution.
- Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a matrixed environment and influence cross-functional stakeholders.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Proficiency in procurement systems, Excel, and data-driven decision-making tools.
- Willingness to travel up to 25-30%.
The Details:You'll receive a competitive salary and a great benefits plan including:
- Medical, dental, life, vision, disability, 401(k), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement.
- Discounts on Stanley Black & Decker tools and other partner programs.
And More:We want our company to be a place you'll want to be - and stay. Being part of our team means you'll get to:
- Grow: Be part of our global company with 20+ brands to grow and develop your skills along multiple career paths.
- Learn: Have access to a wealth of learning resources, including our Lean Academy, Coursera®, and online university.
- Belong: Experience an awesome place to work, where we have mutual respect and a great appreciation for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Give Back: Help us continue to make positive changes locally and globally through volunteerism, giving back, and sustainable business practices.
This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship (H1B, OPT/CPT, TN etc).
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