Strategic Category Manager

Strategic Category Manager at Washington Frank International Strategic Category Manager at Washington Frank International in Palm Bay, Florida Posted in 11 days ago.

Type:

full-time

Job Description:

Position Overview This role is responsible for developing and executing strategic sourcing initiatives across key electronic, electro?mechanical, and mechanical categories in support of product design and manufacturing. Working closely with engineering and other cross?functional partners, the position plays a critical role in supplier selection, cost management, risk mitigation, and long?term category planning. The ideal candidate combines strong technical acumen-preferably within electronics, RF systems, or related engineering disciplines-with proven experience in global sourcing, supplier negotiations, and supply?chain optimization. This role supports both new product development and ongoing production by ensuring supply continuity and supplier performance. Key Responsibilities Category Strategy & Supplier Management Develop and implement category strategies for electronic components, RF modules, PCBs, mechanical assemblies, plastics, and contract manufacturing services Identify, evaluate, qualify, and manage suppliers to ensure capabilities align with quality, capacity, and business requirements Lead supplier evaluations, audits, performance reviews, and long?term development initiatives Establish and manage multi?year commodity roadmaps, including cost models, should?cost analyses, and competitive benchmarks Sourcing & Contracting Lead RFQs and negotiations to secure pricing, supply, commercial terms, warranties, and strategic agreements Partner with legal and compliance teams on contracts, NDAs, and long?term supply agreements Monitor and mitigate supplier risk by tracking market trends, geopolitical factors, component obsolescence, and semiconductor industry dynamics Cross?

Functional Collaboration Partner with engineering and new product development teams to support component selection, approved vendor lists, lifecycle management, and early supplier engagement Coordinate with operations and planning teams to align production requirements, demand changes, and lead?time optimization Collaborate with quality teams on corrective actions, PPAPs, and continuous improvement efforts Support cost?reduction initiatives, value?engineering projects, and DFM feedback for product designs Cost, Inventory & Performance Management Drive cost?savings initiatives through negotiations, value analysis/value engineering projects, and supply?base optimization Track and improve key supplier performance metrics, including on?time delivery, purchase price variance, quality, lead time, supply assurance, and total cost of ownership Partner with planning teams to maintain balanced inventory levels, buffer strategies, and production continuity Analyze category?level data, market forecasts, and product lifecycle trends to support leadership decision?making Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, Systems) or a related technical field; advanced degree or supply?chain certification (e.g., CSCP, CPSM) preferred 7+ years of experience in sourcing, category management, procurement, or supply chain roles within electronics manufacturing, OEM, EMS, or RF?related industries Strong knowledge of electronic components (active, passive, RF), PCBs, EMS/contract manufacturing, and communication systems Proven success in supplier negotiations, contract development, and global sourcing strategies Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and data?driven analysis Excellent communication, project management, and cross?functional leadership skills

Core Competencies Technical Acumen:

Comfortable interpreting drawings, BOMs, and engaging in technical discussions with engineering

Strategic Mindset:

Develops long?term sourcing strategies and supplier roadmaps

Negotiation Expertise:

Achieves cost, quality, delivery, and supply objectives

Risk Mitigation Focus:

Anticipates and manages market volatility, shortages, and supply disruptions

Analytical Strength:

Applies data?driven approaches to cost modeling, forecasting, and supplier analysis

Collaboration & Influence:

Builds strong partnerships across internal teams and with suppliers Working Conditions & Physical Requirements Primarily office?based with periodic visits to production environments, supplier sites, and contract manufacturers Typical physical activities include sitting, walking, light lifting, computer use, and verbal communication Occasional domestic and international travel may be required