Electronics Category Manager

Nortek•Dyersburg, IN

About The Position

The Electronics Category Manager develops and executes sourcing strategies, manages suppliers, and provides category leadership for electrical and electronic components used in electrical panels and control assemblies. The role works closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, and panel shops to support cost efficiency, quality, and supply resilience. The position covers category strategy and supplier classification, Approved Vendor List management, component selection and standardization, supplier qualification and performance, panel shop and operations support, cost optimization, lifecycle and supply risk management, and ERP/PLM data and compliance. The role also owns commercial agreements and reporting processes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Supply Chain, or a related field.
At least 5 years of experience in sourcing, category management, or commodity management.
Experience collaborating with Engineering and panel integrators.
Strong negotiation and commercial skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with UL 508A panel shops.
Familiarity with low-voltage components and automation systems.
Global sourcing experience.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement strategies for assigned categories, classify suppliers strategically, and manage the Approved Vendor List (AVL).
Own performance metrics for cost, lead time, quality, and supply resilience.
Partner with Engineering on component selection for new product introductions (NPI), identify alternate components and substitutions, and standardize components across product platforms.
Identify and qualify new OEMs and distributors; negotiate pricing, agreements, and stocking programs; and manage supplier performance through quarterly business reviews (QBRs) and scorecards.
Act as the sourcing liaison for panel shops and support insourcing or outsourcing of panels and electrical assemblies as needed.
Standardize components and bills of materials (BOMs), and support escalations, costed BOMs, and Approved Manufacturer Lists (AML).
Develop cost-reduction initiatives and pipelines, transition spend from distribution to direct OEM where beneficial, and manage assigned spend and savings roadmaps to achieve year-over-year goals.
Monitor global supply constraints and lead-time trends; identify end-of-life (EOL) and last-time-buy (LTB) risks; and implement second sourcing and risk mitigation strategies.
Maintain accurate ERP and PLM master data and ensure compliance with regulatory and customer requirements.
Own commercial agreements and reporting processes.