EMS Category Manager

Job Description

Chicago, United States | Posted on 12/13/2025

BRK Strategies LLC is a leadership and workforce development firm headquartered in Spring (Houston), Texas, serving organizations nationwide. We support clients ranging from local employers to Fortune 100 companies by strengthening how they hire, develop, and retain talent. Our services include leadership development, talent acquisition support, workforce pipeline design, and execution-focused consulting aimed at building long-term organizational capability. We partner with organizations across manufacturing, aviation, technical trades, and professional services to deliver practical, scalable solutions that work at both enterprise and local levels.

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.

• Global EMS Category Strategy Leadership: Develop, deploy, and execute a comprehensive global strategy aligned with the company’s long‑term roadmap.
• Supplier Relationship & Performance Management: Own strategic relationships with global EMS suppliers, implement performance frameworks, and act as the final escalation point for cross‑functional issues.
• Strategic Sourcing & Commercial Excellence: Lead global sourcing initiatives, conduct sophisticated cost negotiations, and finalize multi‑year master service agreements.
• Cost Management & Value Engineering: Design and execute aggressive cost‑improvement roadmaps, develop predictive costing models, and collaborate with engineering and operations.

• 5+ years of experience in procurement, supply chain, or related business functions.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. indefinitely; employer work‑permit sponsorship is not available.

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or related field.

• Minimum 5 years managing and strategically sourcing global EMS suppliers in a high‑growth or complex technology/manufacturing environment.

• Strategic problem‑solving and exceptional negotiation skills focused on win‑win, long‑term outcomes.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management across all levels and functions.
• Strong data analysis with deep understanding of forecasting, cost drivers, and TCO methodologies in the EMS space.
• High proficiency in MS Office/Google Workspace, especially advanced Excel/Sheets (pivot tables, financial modeling).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast‑paced, dynamic global environment.

• Energetic, positive, with executive presence and a team‑player personality.
• Based in Chicago, IL, and the surrounding metropolitan area.
• Added advantage:
  Spanish language proficiency and prior experience with complex project management in a procurement capacity.

Under 10% travel; relocation provided if required.

Target base salary range: $ – $. Benefits include incentive bonus, medical/dental/vision, 401(k) with company match, 10 paid holidays, generous PTO, employee stock purchase plan, parental & family leave, and more.