Senior Global Category Manager for Metals

Methode Electronics • Southfield, MI

21h

About The Position

The Senior Global Category Manager for Metals is responsible for developing and executing the global sourcing strategy across key categories including Raw materials, Stamping, Machining, and other critical metal / mechanical components. This role leads strategic procurement initiatives to ensure continuity of supply, cost competitiveness, and supplier innovation in support of new product development and operational excellence. As a key strategic leader, this role shapes category direction, drives cross-functional alignment, and fosters long-term value creation across the global supply base.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Engineering, Electronics, or a related field
• 10+ years of experience in strategic sourcing or procurement, with at least 5 years in a global category leadership role for similar components.
• Proven success in driving global sourcing strategies, supplier innovation, cost reductions, and supply chain resilience.
• Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier performance management skills.
• In-depth knowledge of metals components, manufacturing technologies, and supplier ecosystems.
• Previous experience working in a matrixed sourcing organization and able to collaborate cross-functionally with key stakeholders (engineering, project management, quality, finance, sales).
• Proficiency with sourcing platforms, different ERP systems and strong data analysis capabilities.
• Familiarity with compliance standards such as RoHS, REACH, and conflict minerals regulations

Nice To Haves

• Master’s or MBA preferred.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Category Leadership Develop and lead the global category strategy for all metal components (raw materials + formed shapes), ensuring alignment with product development, engineering, and operations.
• Roll-out and execution of globally aligned category strategy with regional purchasing teams in North America, Europe and Asia, ensuring strict guidelines for competitive sourcing reviews.
• Conduct global market analysis, assess technology roadmaps, and monitor industry trends to inform sourcing decisions.
• Establish short- and long-term sourcing roadmaps to ensure cost competitiveness, technology alignment, and risk mitigation.
• Establish category-specific KPIs to measure and drive performance.
• Supplier Management & Innovation Identify and develop strategic supplier partnerships to support quality, cost, delivery, and innovation targets.
• Lead complex negotiations and manage high-value supplier contracts across multiple geographies.
• Drive supplier performance improvement initiatives, risk mitigation plans, and innovation pipelines.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration Collaborate with R&D, Engineering, Quality, and Operations to ensure supplier capabilities meet technical and compliance requirements.
• Engage early in the product lifecycle to influence design-to-cost and supplier selection decisions.
• Partner with global and regional teams to ensure local execution aligns with global strategy.
• Operational Excellence Implement best-in-class procurement practices, cost modeling, and strategic sourcing methodologies.
• Ensure robust supply continuity plans and component lifecycle management.
• Optimize total cost of ownership (TCO), lead time, and inventory strategies in collaboration with supply chain and manufacturing teams.

Benefits

• Methode offers US employees Medical, Dental, Vision, Hearing, Life & Disability insurance, a wellness program, and time off benefits.
• Voluntary benefit plans include Accident, Hospital Indemnity and Pet Insurance.
• Methode provides an Employee Assistance Program, and participation in the Company’s 401(k) plan which includes a company contribution.
• Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
• Hourly employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level