Global Category Manager - Electronics

Franklin Electric•Fort Wayne, IN

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Franklin Electric is seeking a Global Category Manager - Electronics to provide strategic leadership for the global Electronics category portfolio. This role will guide sourcing and supplier management activities, develop and execute category strategies, foster strong supplier partnerships, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive value, innovation, and supply continuity. The position involves monitoring market dynamics, industry trends, and emerging technologies to support informed decision-making and a resilient supply base. As a key leader within the procurement organization, this role offers category expertise, influences strategic initiatives, and strengthens capabilities across the broader sourcing team. Franklin Electric has been making a positive global impact since 1944, focusing on innovative water solutions and committed to excellence in products, customer service, employee development, and social responsibility.

Requirements

Ability to analyze complex information and evaluates results to select the best solution and solve multi-variable problems.
Ability to identify underlying principles, reasons, facts, and cost drivers by breaking down data into component parts.
Ability to read and interpret technical documents such as engineering drawings, specifications, policy manuals, and procedure manuals.
Strong experience in contract management, including complex contract and MSA negotiation.
Exceptional analytical, data, and risk-management skills—prediction, identification, and mitigation of supply risk.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without direct authority at the executive level.
7-10 years of relevant category management / strategic sourcing experience, with a significant portion in the electronics or electrical components space.
Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, Supply Chain, or equivalent.
Functional understanding of JDE or ERP systems, supply chain, logistics, warehousing, distribution, importing, exporting, and shipping.
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access) with Power BI for spend analytics and dashboards.

Nice To Haves

Deep understanding of electronic components, PCB/PCBA manufacturing, semiconductor markets, and EMS supply chains.
MBA or advanced degree.
Professional certification such as C.P.M., CPSM, or CPM.

Responsibilities

Serve as the resident subject-matter expert on factors relevant to the electronics category, including product knowledge, applications/usage, processing knowledge, cost structure, global market dynamics, supplier capabilities, supplier market share, and supplier benchmarking.
Develop and execute multi-year global category strategies and playbooks for electronic components, balancing cost, innovation, quality, and supply continuity.
Utilize contract negotiation, process changes, and implementation of sustainable cost controls—including collaboration with Finance—to validate the impact of proposed projects and drive stakeholder approval.
Draft, negotiate, and execute supplier contracts and Master Supply Agreements (MSAs), managing terms, liability, tooling, and pricing mechanisms.
Manage semiconductor allocation, component lifecycle (EOL/PCN), obsolescence, and supply shortage mitigation to protect production continuity.
Use strategic sourcing tools to proactively conduct spend analysis, maintain should-cost and cost models by supplier and category, and communicate overall supplier performance, technology trends, and market conditions.
Manage, develop, and maintain business relationships with suppliers and Electronic Manufacturing Service (EMS) partners, including supplier segmentation and relationship management.
Manage and implement strategies and goals for the electronics category that support department objectives for quality, cost, payment terms, and supplier development.
Lead supplier quality, delivery, cost, and performance management, driving corrective actions and continuous improvement (PPM, OTD, 8D).
Support New Product Introduction (NPI/NSI) with early supplier involvement, design-to-cost, and VA/VE initiatives in partnership with Engineering.
Drive regionalization/localization strategies and dual-sourcing to reduce risk and total cost of ownership across the Americas, EMEA, APAC, and India.
Routinely present proposals, recommendations, and category metrics to senior leadership.
Mentor and provide guidance to junior category managers and sourcing specialists; may act as team lead for the electronics category.
Apply 7-Step Strategic Sourcing or other recognized strategic sourcing methodologies.

Benefits

Hybrid remote work arrangements
Generous paid time off & holidays
Paid parental leave & on-site motherhood rooms
On site café & complimentary beverage stations
Indoor fitness facility & outdoor walking paths
401(k) with matching & service contributions
Health, dental, vision, life insurance
Short & long-term disability
Fertility & adoption support
Undergraduate & graduate tuition reimbursement
Professional development assistance
Health & wellness programs
Opportunities to learn and grow through development opportunities such as training, certifications, mentorship, leadership programs, tuition reimbursement, one-on-one coaching and more!