Category Specialist - Fabrication
About The Position
The Category Specialist supports strategic sourcing and category management initiatives for Oshkosh AeroTech, with a primary focus on fabrication suppliers supporting Ground Support Equipment (GSE) operations. The fabrication category includes steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and value-added processes such as cutting, forming, welding, and coatings. The role executes sourcing projects, manages supplier relationships, negotiates agreements, and identifies cost-reduction and supply-continuity opportunities. It combines analytical and project management capabilities with developing sourcing strategies and driving initiatives through successful execution. The position collaborates with procurement, engineering, manufacturing, and supplier performance teams, and supports standardization of sourcing processes, supplier performance metrics, and reporting across Oshkosh AeroTech and the broader Vocational segment. Travel of 10–20% is required.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree and three or more years of experience in Supply Chain Management or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Ability to travel 10–20%.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in strategic sourcing, category management, or supplier relationship management within a manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated success executing sourcing projects, delivering measurable cost savings, and negotiating supplier agreements.
- Strong project management, organizational, and prioritization skills, with exceptional attention to detail and follow-through.
- Experience sourcing fabricated metal components, including steel, aluminum, stainless steel, welding, forming, or coatings.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and communicate effectively with suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders.
- Experience with ERP systems, spend analysis, and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
- Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution in a fast-paced, evolving manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute sourcing strategies for the fabrication category, including steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and value-added fabrication processes such as cutting, forming, welding, and coatings.
- Lead sourcing and cost-reduction projects from planning through implementation, managing timelines, deliverables, stakeholder communications, and measurable results.
- Develop and maintain supplier relationships, lead contract negotiations, manage supplier agreements, and support long-term supply partnerships.
- Analyze spend, commodity pricing, market trends, and total cost of ownership to identify and execute cost-saving opportunities.
- Identify supplier capacity, quality, delivery, and continuity risks, and partner with cross-functional teams to develop and execute mitigation plans.
- Partner with procurement, engineering, manufacturing, and supplier performance teams to align sourcing strategies with business objectives.
- Research supplier markets, evaluate sourcing opportunities, interpret technical requirements, and support long-term category strategies.
- Support standardization of sourcing processes, supplier performance metrics, and reporting across Oshkosh AeroTech and the broader Vocational segment.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
