Category Manager, Metal Fabrication

*** This role can offer remote flexibility; however, candidates must be based in SC, NC, CT, or MI.***

A leading global industrial manufacturer is seeking a strategic Category Manager to lead sourcing across its Metal Fabrication and Structural Components portfolio in North America. This role will drive category strategy, supplier optimization, and cost competitiveness across a complex network of fabrication suppliers supporting high-volume production.

The position requires deep experience across sheet metal, stampings, castings, forgings, tubing, and welded assemblies, with a strong focus on cost structure analysis, supplier development, and long-term sourcing strategy execution. This is a high-impact, cross-functional role partnering closely with engineering, operations, and quality to enable scalable and cost-effective production.

• Develop and execute category strategies across metal fabrication commodities, including:
  Sheet metal & stampings, Castings & forgings, Tubing & structural components, Welded assemblies and fabricated subcomponents), aligned with global procurement objectives to optimize cost, ensure supply continuity, and mitigate risk.
• Lead dual sourcing, supplier consolidation, and sourcing footprint optimization to improve cost position and mitigate risk.
• Conduct detailed cost breakdown analysis (materials, labor, tooling, fabrication processes) to support should-cost modeling and negotiation strategies.
• Drive cost savings initiatives through competitive sourcing, supplier benchmarking, and value engineering.
• Deliver measurable cost savings and value creation, with a results-oriented mindset and the ability to build and execute savings plans, track performance, and lead business reviews.
• Negotiate and implement long-term agreements (LTAs), including pricing frameworks, payment terms, and escalation mechanisms.
• Manage and develop a network of fabrication suppliers and contract manufacturers, driving improvements in cost, quality, delivery, and capacity.
• Lead supplier design reviews, ensuring manufacturability, cost efficiency, and alignment with technical specifications.
• Lead supplier performance management, including KPIs, business reviews, and corrective action plans, building long-term strategic relationships.
• Partner with Engineering to support design-to-cost, manufacturability, and product standardization initiatives.
• Support new product introductions and product changes, ensuring supplier readiness and cost alignment.
• Monitor market dynamics (raw material trends, geopolitical shifts, tariffs) and adapt sourcing strategies accordingly.
• Provide leadership with clear visibility into category performance, cost drivers, and strategic opportunities.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field.
• 7-10+ years of experience in strategic sourcing or category management within metal fabrication environments.
• Strong knowledge of fabrication processes (stamping, casting, forging, machining, welding, forming).
• Proven track record of cost savings, supplier negotiations, and category strategy execution.
• Experience working with build-to-print suppliers and fabrication job shops.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in cost modeling and data-driven decision making.
• Ability to operate effectively in a cross-functional, matrixed global manufacturing environment.