Sr. Global Category Manager - Electrical and Electronics

Rite-Hite is the global leader in the manufacture and distribution of industrial loading dock and door equipment. Our innovative products and world class sales organization ensure solid, consistent growth, both for our company and our staff. We are always looking ahead to develop innovative new products and services to improve our customers' safety, security, and productivity.

Rite-Hite provides competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package with medical, dental, and vision coverage along with life and paid medical leave. We also provide a retirement savings plan that combines 401(K) with company match and profit sharing. Paid holidays, vacation, and up to five paid personal/sick days per year round out the package.

Rite-Hite is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer offering a drug free workplace for our customers and employees.

Sr. Global Category Manager - Electrical and Electronics

Location: Hybrid - Milwaukee, WI | Travel: Up to 25%

Rite-Hite is seeking a Sr. Global Category Manager - Electrical and Electronics to oversee our global category management for electrical and electronics manufacturing. In this role, you will lead sourcing and category strategies, manage supplier relationships, and drive performance across a complex, global supply base.

This role offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to contribute to the success of a global leader in the manufacture, sale, and service of equipment for loading docks, industrial doors, safety barriers, and industrial fans.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage a global annual spend of $100M-$200M, with a strategic focus on cost optimization, quality enhancement, and supply chain resilience. Lead end-to-end sourcing activities including RFI, RFQ, and RFP processes for electrical and electronics commodities. Serve as the primary business interface with Contract Manufacturers (CMs), overseeing supplier relationship management, continuity of supply, risk mitigation, commercial negotiations, and seamless execution from New Product Introduction (NPI) through Mass Production (MP).
• Internal Stakeholders: Collaborate effectively with key stakeholders (engineering, operations, quality, etc.) to understand category requirements, ensure supplier qualification, and maintain high quality standards.
• Cross-functional Teams: Partner with business unit Procurement and Engineering teams to facilitate smooth supplier transitions. Support NPI teams by leveraging preferred supplier programs.
• Category Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive category strategy aligned with business needs and procurement best practices.
• Cost Optimization: Drive cost reductions through price negotiations and continuous improvement initiatives including Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) improvements through VA/VE, should-cost modeling, and design-to-cost initiatives.
• Optimize Payment Terms: Negotiate favorable payment terms with suppliers to improve cash flow and optimize working capital. Explore Supply Chain Financing: Investigate and implement supply chain financing solutions (e.g., supplier financing programs) to improve cash flow and enhance supplier relationships.
• Supplier Segmentation: Implement effective supplier segmentation and expand the Preferred Supplier Program based on business requirements.
• Contract Lifecycle: Manage the entire contract lifecycle, ensuring compliance and continuity of supply.
• Supplier Selection: Conduct thorough RFx processes to select and negotiate contracts with optimal terms and conditions.
• Supplier Risk Mitigation: Actively identify and mitigate potential risks associated with suppliers, including financial, capacity, quality, and compliance issues.
• Supplier Relationships: Oversee Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) activities and conduct regular supplier reviews to ensure performance meets program objectives (Quality, Cost, Delivery).
• Meet or exceed key performance indicators (KPIs) related to cost, quality, and supplier performance.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or Operations; master's degree preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of procurement/sourcing experience in large-scale, complex, or global categories-preferably in electronics.
• Experience with EMS/CEM outsourcing at PCBA and finished goods levels.
• Strong knowledge of electrical and electronics products, market dynamics, and industry trends.
• Proficiency in data analysis and relevant procurement tools.
• Proven ability to assess, negotiate, and manage suppliers effectively.
• Strong collaboration, facilitation, and conflict resolution skills in a matrixed environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., Oracle, JD Edwards) preferred.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% domestically and internationally.
• Spanish language skills are a plus.

Ideal if You Are:

• A strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Results-oriented and thrive in achieving ambitious goals.
• An effective communicator and collaborator with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and capable of working independently and in teams.
• Passionate about continuous improvement and innovation.

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