Global Category Manager - Indirect & Subcontractor Operations

About Us

Founded in 2015 to develop the world’s first industrially scalable laser metal additive manufacturing solution, Vulcan Forms is reshaping how the world manufactures critical products. We build and operate advanced digital infrastructure that enables innovation, accelerates growth, and supports sustainability across aerospace, defense, medical, and other essential industries. Through our vertically integrated capabilities, including scalable additive manufacturing and precision machining, we deliver true end-to-end production at scale by combining cutting‑edge technology with a foundation of proven industrial craftsmanship.

Our team brings deep expertise in manufacturing, materials science, software, automation, and operations, united by a shared commitment to quality, curiosity, and accountability. We foster an inclusive culture where people take ownership, solve meaningful problems, and continuously learn, because we believe diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes.

The Global Category Manager (GCM) – Indirect & Subcontractor Operations owns the end-to-end sourcing strategy, supplier relationships, and commercial frameworks for Vulcan Forms' indirect spend and subcontracted services. This includes IT, professional services, MRO, office/facilities consumables, HR services, marketing, T&E, and ongoing replenishment of spares and consumables across all production pillars. Reporting to the VP of Supply Chain, the GCM partners closely with functional leaders across the business to deliver cost efficiency, supplier quality, and supply continuity at scale.

• Own and continuously develop the multi‑year category strategy for all indirect spend categories: IT (hardware, software, telecom, cybersecurity), professional services (legal, consulting, audit, recruiting), MRO, facilities consumables, marketing, and T&E.
• Lead sourcing and commercial negotiations for strategic indirect suppliers and subcontractors, including master service agreements, pricing frameworks, SLAs, and renewal terms.
• Manage ongoing replenishment of spares and consumables across all production pillars, executing within supplier frameworks established by pillar GCMs at the point of equipment purchase.
• Build and maintain a preferred supplier panel for subcontracted services; qualify new providers and manage performance against cost, quality, and delivery KPIs.
• Develop and maintain should‑cost models and total cost of ownership (TCO) analyses across managed categories to drive savings and challenge incumbent pricing.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate supply risk across indirect categories; maintain category risk registers and execute continuity plans.
• Partner with Finance, Legal, IT, HR, and Operations stakeholders to align category strategies with business priorities and budget cycles.
• Establish procurement policies, supplier codes of conduct, and sourcing playbooks for indirect categories.
• Define and deliver an annual savings roadmap; report progress and category health metrics to VP Supply Chain and executive leadership.
• Scope, onboard, and develop category specialist support as the indirect category team grows.

• Bachelor's degree required; MBA or advanced degree in Supply Chain, Business, or a related field preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive procurement or supply chain experience, with at least 5 years managing indirect or subcontractor categories at a senior or leadership level.
• Demonstrated track record of developing and executing multi‑year category strategies across complex, cross‑functional indirect spend portfolios.
• Experience leading high‑value commercial negotiations with professional services, IT, or MRO suppliers.
• Strong financial acumen including should‑cost modeling, TCO analysis, and savings tracking.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and build trusted partnerships with functional leaders across a matrixed organization.
• Exceptional communication and executive presentation skills.
• Comfort operating in an ambiguous, fast‑paced environment with limited administrative support.

• Experience in a high‑growth manufacturing, defense, or advanced…