The Category Manager for Mechanical Fabrication is responsible for setting strategic direction for the defined product technology and supply base. This role will lead a team of Supplier Development Engineers and Continuous Improvment subject matter experts and has Sector level responsibility in deploying strategies toward optimizing supply base cost, quality, and delivery. Must support overall business goals by analyzing market trends, supplier capabilities, and program expectations to achieve best in class category performance. Key Leadership & Oversight Categories: • Market Intelligence: Conduct thorough research on technical market trends, supply base landscape, and emerging technologies to identify potential opportunities and risks within the assigned category. • Supplier Relationship Management: Develop and manage relationships with key suppliers, oversee contract negotiations, delivery performance, and quality standards to ensure optimal value proposition. • Approved and Preferred Supplier Governance: Evaluate and maintain supplier listing based on performance, capability, cost, and customer requirements, working closely with engineering and program teams to ensure specifications are met. • Cost Optimization: Analyze spending patterns, identify cost reduction opportunities, and implement strategies to optimize procurement costs within the Mechanical Fabrication category. • Technical Expertise: Maintain team structure that ensures in-depth knowledge of technical product features, functionality, and industry standards to effectively evaluate supplier offerings and make informed decisions. • Category Strategy Development: Create and execute a strategic category plan aligned with overall business objectives, including Supplier Relationship Management, commercial strategy, performance metrics, supply chain resilience, and prioritized key strategic actions. • Data Analysis: Utilize data analytics tools to monitor category performance, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions regarding supplier performance, supplier ratings, resource deployment, and supplier development plans. • Stakeholder Management: Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as engineering, programs, procurement, quality, and operations to ensure alignment on requirements and category strategy. • Innovation: Identify and implement innovative solutions to enhance supply base offerings and meet evolving customer needs.