Global Compressor Category Manager

Smardt•Phoenix, AZ

5d•Onsite

About The Position

As a global pioneer in oil-free centrifugal chiller technology with an expanding portfolio of thermal management solutions, Smardt is dedicated to delivering high-efficiency and energy-saving systems for industries, real estate developments, health care and educational centers worldwide. We operate manufacturing facilities in the US, Canada, Germany, China, and Australia, with a team of over 900 employees. With a focus on reliability, performance, and environmental stewardship, Smardt continues to redefine industry standards through advanced engineering and a commitment to a more sustainable future. The Global Category Manager (GCM) will exclusively manage our most critical compressor supplier, requiring a blend of commercial acumen, technical depth, and strategic diplomacy. This role will act as the "Chief Negotiator" and "Crisis Lead" for this account, ensuring Smardt receives preferential treatment in capacity allocation and pricing. The role will receive escalations from regions and represent Smardt to drive rapid response protocols for critical commercial, delivery, quality, and warranty issues, while fostering seamless cross-regional collaboration. This role is 100% on-site and requires daily collaboration with the team.

Requirements

Excellent relationship management skills with the ability to engage, negotiate and manage key stakeholders and suppliers.
Strong and confident negotiator with the ability to negotiate at all levels.
Resilient and able to perform under pressure
Understanding in HVAC system/components and quality tools
Bachelor’s degree in HVAC or mechanical engineering or related field or related experience.
10+ years of progressive supply chain experience, including category management, strategic sourcing
Experience managing global suppliers and complex supply chains
Experience in managing stakeholders across multiple time zones

Nice To Haves

HVAC industry background is preferred
Basic understanding of compressor technology

Responsibilities

Serve as the sole global point of contact for our most strategic compressor supplier, managing all touchpoints from tactical purchasing to executive-level engagement.
Lead high-impact negotiations to secure preferential capacity allocation and develop compelling business cases to ensure uninterrupted supply ahead of competitors during market shortages.
Drive annual pricing negotiations and global agreement renewal.
Establish and enforce a stringent "Rapid Response Protocol" for all Critical Quality Issues (CQI), working with Smardt expertise and the compressor supplier to implement immediate containment actions.
Act as the lead negotiator regarding quality liability, driving the supplier to acknowledge responsibility for systemic defects and ensure swift settlement of cost recovery.
Push the supplier for rigorous Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and verification of corrective actions (8D) to prevent recurrence of serial defects.
Act as the central hub for manufacturing sites across NA, EMEA, and APAC, facilitating regular syncs to align on demand forecasts, inventory strategies, and local quality feedback loops.
Engage the supplier with one voice by collecting inputs from regional supply chain and operation leaders.
Provide clear visibility to Global Leadership on supplier performance, risk mitigation status, and negotiation outcomes through monthly dashboards and Quarterly Business Reviews.
Work closely with Global Demand Planning to translate forecasts into firm supplier commitments and manage allocation strategies during shortage periods.
Monitor supplier financial health and operational bottlenecks, and develop contingency plans to de-risk single-source dependency.