LEAD Category Manager (Level 5)If you are a
strategic Category Leader who owns global category strategy end-to-end and influences business decisions at the highest level, we want to hear from you.
We are prioritizing candidates who:
- Have 12+ years in sourcing/procurement with proven ownership of global category strategy (not just execution)
- Have led 3-5 year category roadmaps, aligning sourcing decisions with product and business strategy
- Actively build and manage global supplier networks, including selection, development, and long-term performance
- Have extensive experience leading complex, high-value negotiations (global agreements, capacity, long-term contracts)
- Drive cost optimization through deep cost modeling and TCO analysis
- Influence engineering, operations, and leadership on sourcing strategies and trade-offs
- Bring strong analytical and financial acumen to support strategic decisions
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Fully remote, high-visibility role with global scope• Direct impact on product roadmaps, supplier strategy, and long-term business growthJob DescriptionThis LEAD Category Manager (Level 5) role leads
end-to-end global category strategy for complex, technical components within a high-growth manufacturing environment.
You will operate as a
business owner for your category, owning long-term strategy, shaping supplier partnerships, influencing engineering decisions, and ensuring long-term supply resilience. This is a highly visible, strategic role with direct impact on product roadmaps and company growth.
Responsibilities- Own and execute global category strategy end-to-end, aligned to business objectives and product roadmaps
- Develop and manage multi-year category roadmaps (3-5 year horizon) with clear milestones
- Lead global supplier strategy, including identification, selection, onboarding, development, and performance management
- Drive complex global negotiations, including long-term agreements, pricing models, and capacity planning
- Partner closely with engineering to align sourcing with product design and technology roadmaps
- Collaborate with operations to ensure sourcing supports production, quality, and delivery targets
- Lead cost modeling and total cost of ownership (TCO) strategies to drive optimization
- Identify and mitigate global supply chain risks (capacity, geopolitical, single-source exposure)
- Drive continuous improvement in supplier performance across cost, quality, innovation, and delivery
- Build and maintain a global supplier roadmap aligned to current and future growth
- LPresent category strategies, risks, and performance to leadership
- Influence cross-functional stakeholders to align on sourcing decisions and trade-offs
- Lead sourcing initiatives supporting high-growth and rapid scaling demands
- Act as a strategic advisor on market trends, supplier capabilities, and opportunities
Basic Qualifications- 12+ years of experience in sourcing, procurement, or supply chain
- Proven experience owning and leading global category strategy
- Experience sourcing complex, technical components in manufacturing environments
- Strong experience in supplier strategy and lifecycle management
- Extensive experience leading complex, global negotiations
- Expertise in cost modeling and total cost of ownership (TCO)
- Proven ability to influence engineering, operations, and executive stakeholders
- Experience managing supply chain risk and long-term supplier resilience
- Strong financial and analytical skills to build business cases and strategic insights
- Executive-level communication and presentation skills
Preferred Qualifications- Experience in semiconductor, capital equipment, or advanced manufacturing
- Global sourcing experience across Asia and Europe
- experience in high-growth or scaling organizations
- Experience building and managing global supplier networks and roadmaps
- Track record of securing favorable long-term supplier agreements
- Exposure to AI-driven or technology-focused manufacturing growth
Work Environment- Hybrid work enviornment
- Collaboration with distributed teams and international suppliers
- High-growth organization aligned with AI-driven demand
- Opportunity for significant strategic influence and career growth
- Occasional travel for supplier or site visits as needed
Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Somerset, NJ.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $122000.00 - $156000.00/yr.
We can send candidates the benefits guide they shared with us
Workplace TypeThis is a fully remote position.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Jun 26, 2026.
