Category Manager - Contract Manufacturing

Fluence•Arlington, VA

23h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Category Manager – Contract Manufacturing is responsible for developing and executing category strategies for contract manufacturing partners supporting Fluence’s integrated energy storage and power systems. This role owns supplier commercialization, contract negotiations, cost reduction initiatives, and risk mitigation across assigned contract manufacturers. The position works functionally with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Finance, and Program teams to ensure supply continuity, cost competitiveness, and regulatory compliance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
Minimum of 7 years of experience in strategic sourcing, category management, or procurement.
Direct experience managing contract manufacturers or fabrication suppliers.
Proven experience leading complex commercial negotiations.
Strong cross functional communication and stakeholder management skills.
Experience in energy storage, power electronics, industrial equipment, or related industries.
Familiarity with domestic content, localization strategies, or regulated supply chains.
Experience supporting NPIs and manufacturing transfers.
Strong negotiation and commercial acumen.
Understanding of manufacturing processes, cost drivers, and capacity planning.
Ability to manage ambiguity and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Advanced Excel, reporting, and analytical skills.
Executive level communication and presentation capabilities.
Ability to work across global time zones as needed.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute category strategies for contract manufacturing, including electrical integration, enclosures, metals fabrication, and system assemblies.
Lead supplier identification, selection, qualification, and dual sourcing strategies aligned with cost, capacity, quality, and regionalization requirements.
Manage strategic supplier relationships and lead regular business reviews.
Deliver results under tight deadlines.
Lead negotiations for pricing, payment terms, capacity commitments, tooling, and risk sharing structures.
Own commercial agreements including MMAs, MSAs, Statements of Work (SOWs), Long Term Agreements (LTAs), and price change negotiations.
Support commercial resolution of end of life (EoL), obsolescence, and last time buy situations.
Serve as the primary procurement interface for Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Program teams on contract manufacturing topics.
Support new product introductions (NPI), design transitions, manufacturing transfers, and supplier ramp ups.
Align sourcing decisions with production schedules, demand forecasts, and program milestones.
Drive continuous cost reduction initiatives through should cost analysis, DFM engagement, and volume leverage.
Track and report savings, cost avoidance, and value capture initiatives.
Identify supplier, capacity, and geopolitical risks and develop mitigation and contingency plans.
Lead issue escalation and recovery plans for supply continuity, quality issues, or manufacturing disruptions.
Ensure suppliers meet Fluence requirements for quality, sustainability, and regulatory compliance, including Domestic Content and IRA considerations where applicable.
Partner with Legal, Finance, and Compliance teams to ensure contractual and audit readiness.
Provide concise, data driven updates to procurement leadership and executive stakeholders.
Maintain structured trackers for supplier actions, commercial exposure, and risk items.