Mechanical Category Manager

Job Summary

The Supply Chain Manager – Mechanical is an individual contributor responsible for supporting and executing category strategy and supplier performance for mechanical commodities. This role drives predictable delivery, quality, cost performance, and risk mitigation across the product lifecycle from proposal and NPI through production and sustainment.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives for assigned mechanical commodities.
• Develop and maintain forecasts/requirements for the category; translate demand into sourcing and capacity actions.
• Develop subcontract/commodity strategies aligned to Supply Chain strategy, including preferred supplier roadmaps.
• Lead strategic supplier development and long-term agreements (e.g., MSA, BOA, LTA) consistent with category objectives.
• Own supplier performance across Quality, Delivery, Cost; drive corrective actions and measurable recovery plans with clear owners and due dates.
• Lead cross-functional coordination with Engineering, Quality, Program Management, Manufacturing, and Planning to support NPI through production and sustainment.
• Support make-versus-buy assessments for new or existing components and assemblies.
• Develop and execute supplier transition plans, including qualification approach, readiness, and cutover planning.
• Monitor cost performance (target vs. proposal vs. actual) and drive cost reduction initiatives (VA/VE, should-cost inputs, market benchmarking).
• Coordinate supplier assessments and approvals with Engineering and Quality; support ongoing supplier capability reviews.
• Ensure accuracy of sourcing-related master data (lead times, MOQ/lot size, sourcing attributes) and communicate changes that impact cost or production cycles.
• Expedite or elevate critical constraints as required while driving systemic actions to prevent recurrence.

Qualifications

Required Technical Capabilities – Mechanical

• Working knowledge of mechanical manufacturing processes relevant to mechanical hardware, including machining fundamentals, tolerance stack-up, and producibility considerations.
• Familiarity with CNC machining methods and constraints, including multi-axis machining (4-axis/5-axis), fixturing considerations, and typical drivers of cost, cycle time, and capacity.
• Ability to evaluate supplier capability for precision machined components and mechanical housings/brackets, including inspection/measurement methods (e.g., CMM, first article concepts) and process controls.
• Working knowledge of investment castings and investment casting supply chains including tooling lead times
• Understanding of common mechanical finishes and special processes that impact fit/function and lead time (e.g., anodize, chem film, passivation, plating, paint, heat treat), including supplier/sub-tier coordination implications.
• Working knowledge of mechanical components and assemblies such as motors, and actuators and how mechanical integration, tolerances, and environmental requirements affect performance and reliability.
• Ability to partner with Engineering and Quality on supplier capability assessments and qualification readiness, including build readiness, process control expectations, and corrective action follow-through.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business, engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of demonstrated experience in high technology, aerospace, defense, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated knowledge of supply chain management tools, procedures, and best practices.
• Demonstrated leadership and influence skills, including conflict resolution and stakeholder management.
• Significant experience throughout the product lifecycle from NPI through obsolescence, including supplier selection, risk management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong negotiation skills and customer interface skills.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex environment.
• Working knowledge of relevant regulatory/compliance requirements (e.g., FAR/DFARS flowdowns and ITAR/EAR awareness, as applicable).

Clearance Requirement

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance, as required.

Travel Requirement

Up to 25%.