Sr. Category Manager - Mechanical
$95,000–$123,000 year
On-siteCamas, Washington, United States
Job Summary
Develop and execute sourcing strategies for critical direct materials and technology in precision mechanical categories, aligning with product roadmaps and manufacturing needs. Shape supplier portfolios through segmentation and capability coverage to reduce single-source dependencies while driving performance via scorecards and Quarterly Business Reviews. Negotiate commercial terms, pricing, and risk-sharing frameworks to ensure cost competitiveness and supply continuity across commercial and government programs. Partner with Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Program teams on supplier selection, qualification activities, and make/buy decisions. Monitor market conditions and geopolitical risks to proactively identify constraints and implement recovery planning for critical programs. Ensure all sourcing activities comply with regulations, contractual requirements, and internal policies while communicating strategies to leadership and stakeholders.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline
- 8+ years of experience in category management, strategic sourcing, supply chain, or a related field
- Experience developing category strategies and managing supplier relationships in a manufacturing, technology, or regulated environment
- Demonstrated experience negotiating supplier agreements and commercial terms
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- Experience leading sourcing, supplier performance, or process improvement initiatives
- Proficiency in ERP systems, Microsoft Excel, and other sourcing or analytics tools
- Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders, manage competing priorities, and deliver results in a cross-functional environment
- US Person (US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual granted asylum or refugee status)
Desired Qualifications
- Familiarity with government contracting, trade compliance, or regulated industry requirements, including FAR, DFARS, ITAR, or EAR
- Experience with sourcing and technical challenges for CNC machined components
- Experience with sourcing and technical challenges for tight-tolerance metal parts
- Experience with sourcing and technical challenges for complex multi-axis machined parts
- Experience with sourcing and technical challenges for precision housings, mounts, brackets, fixtures, heat sinks, Cold Plates, manifolds
- Experience with sourcing and technical challenges for sheet metal fabrication
- Experience with sourcing and technical challenges for plastics / custom fabrications
- Experience with sourcing and technical challenges for aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, copper, specialty alloys and plastics
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