EMS Category Manager

Overview:

We are seeking an experienced and results-oriented Global EMS Category Manager to take ownership of our Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) supplier portfolio. This is a strategic role focused on developing executing and optimizing a global category strategy to deliver competitive advantage drive significant cost savings and ensure long-term supply chain resilience. The ideal candidate will transform supplier relationships into strategic partnerships and act as a key driver of continuous improvement and innovation within the EMS category.

Key Strategic Responsibilities:

The EMS Category Manager is responsible for elevating the EMS supply base from a transactional relationship to a strategic performance-driven partnership.

• Global EMS Category Strategy Leadership:
  

  • Develop deploy and execute a comprehensive Global EMS Category Strategy that aligns with the companys long-term product roadmap and operational goals.
    

  • Identify and capitalize on market trends geopolitical shifts and technological advancements within the EMS sector to proactively position our supply chain for competitive advantage.
    

• Supplier Relationship and Performance Management:
  

  • Own the strategic relationship with Global EMS suppliers establishing senior-level engagement and joint business planning.
    

  • Implement robust supplier performance management frameworks focusing on continuous improvement in quality delivery cost and innovation).
    

  • Act as the final point of commercial and strategic escalation for complex cross-functional and operational issues driving root cause resolution and systemic process improvements.
    

• Strategic Sourcing and Commercial Excellence:
  

  • Lead complex global business quotation exercises and strategic sourcing initiatives utilizing advanced financial modeling and total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis to guide project awards.
    

  • Conduct high-stakes sophisticated cost negotiations that secure competitive and sustainable pricing structures moving beyond short-term tactical savings to long-term commercial models.
    

  • Negotiate draft and finalize multi-year strategic Global EMS Master Service Agreements (MSAs) and Supply Agreements ensuring favorable terms intellectual property protection and robust risk mitigation clauses.
    

• Cost Management and Value Engineering:
  

  • Design and execute an aggressive on-going cost improvement and annual cost reduction roadmap (e.g. Value Engineering VA/VE Design-to-Cost initiatives) in collaboration with Engineering and Operations teams.
    

  • Utilize strong data analysis skills to interpret market intelligence commodity trends and EMS cost drivers to develop predictive costing models and drive data-backed negotiations.
    

Requirements

Requirements:

• Education: Must have at least a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration Supply Chain Management Engineering or a related field.
  

• Experience: Minimum 5 years of prior experience and a proven track record in successfully managing and strategically sourcing Global EMS suppliers within a high-growth or complex technology/manufacturing environment.
  

Skills:

• Effective strategic problem-solving skills and exceptional negotiation skills with a focus on win-win long-term outcomes.
  

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with proven ability to work and influence people from various levels (from operations floor to executive leadership) and functions (Engineering Finance Legal).
  

• Strong data analysis skills and a deep understanding of forecasting methods cost drivers and TCO methodologies in the EMS space.
  

• High proficiency in MS Office / Google Documents; specifically advanced MS Excel / Google Sheets skills (e.g. pivot tables advanced formulas financial modeling).
  

• Demonstrated ability to strategically manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced dynamic global environment.
  

• Traits: Energetic Positive Executive Presence with a Team Player personality.
  

• Location: Chicago IL. and the surrounding metropolitan area
  

• Added Advantages: Spanish language proficiency and prior experience with complex project management (e.g. NPI/NPD launches strategic transitions) in a procurement capacity.
  

Target Base Salary Range: $130000.00 - $155000.00

Benefits

• Incentive Bonus Plans
  

• Medical Dental Vision benefits
  

• 401K with Company Match
  

• 10 Paid Holidays
  

• Generous Paid Time Off Packages
  

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  

• Paid Parental & Family Leave
  

• and more!