Category Manager - Electronics

Chemelex is a global leader in electric thermal and sensing solutions, protecting the world's critical processes, places and people. With over 50 years of innovation and a commitment to excellence, we develop solutions that ensure safety, reliability, and efficiency in diverse environments - from industrial plants and data centers to people's homes. We deliver future-ready technologies, advanced engineering capabilities and local expertise backed by global standards.

Our offering includes a leading portfolio from our trusted brands:
Raychem, Tracer, Nuheat and Pyrotenax.

Location: Flexible (Hybrid/Remote)
Reports To: NAM Sr Supply Manager, Strategic Sourcing

The Electronics Category Supply Lead is responsible for developing and executing the global sourcing strategy for electronic assemblies, components, and contract manufacturing partners supporting Chemelex's portfolio of industrial heating, control, sensing, and monitoring products.

This role serves as the subject matter expert for electronic supply chains, working closely with Engineering, Product Management, Operations, Quality, and regional sourcing teams to ensure continuity of supply, competitive cost structures, technology alignment, and supplier performance.

The ideal candidate brings 5-10 years of experience sourcing low-to-medium volume electronic products-including thermostats, controllers, PCBA assemblies, displays, sensors, and embedded electronics-and has successfully managed global contract manufacturers and electronic component suppliers across North America, Europe, and Asia.

This individual will proactively manage supply risk, component obsolescence, supplier capacity, and total cost while supporting new product development, engineering initiatives, and long-term product lifecycle management.

• Develop and execute the global sourcing strategy for electronics, PCB assemblies, electronic components, and contract manufacturing.
• Build multi-year category roadmaps aligned with business growth, product strategy, and technology evolution.
• Identify and develop strategic supplier partnerships that provide competitive advantage in cost, quality, innovation, and supply continuity.
• Drive supplier rationalization where appropriate while maintaining business continuity and geographic diversification.
• Continuously monitor market trends, emerging technologies, and supply chain risks affecting the electronics industry.

Own strategic relationships with global Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) partners, including responsibility for:

• Supplier performance management
• Capacity planning
• Commercial negotiations
• Quality and delivery performance
• Inventory strategies
• Business continuity planning
• Cost competitiveness

Conduct regular executive business reviews and develop supplier improvement plans to ensure world-class performance.

Develop sourcing strategies for electronic components including:

• Microcontrollers
• Analog and digital integrated circuits
• Power electronics
• Sensors
• Displays
• Relays
• Connectors
• Passive components
• Power supplies
• Communication modules
• PCB fabrication
• Custom cable assemblies

Partner with suppliers to:

• Mitigate component shortages and allocations
• Reduce lead times
• Resolve end-of-life (EOL) risks
• Qualify alternate components and suppliers
• Improve overall supply chain resilience

Serve as the strategic leader for electronic component lifecycle management across the product portfolio.

Responsibilities include:

• Monitoring component lifecycle status and identifying emerging obsolescence risks.
• Developing proactive mitigation plans for end-of-life (EOL) components.
• Coordinating last-time buys, inventory strategies, and alternate component qualification.
• Partnering with Engineering and Product Management to prioritize redesign efforts when required.
• Building long-term sourcing strategies that reduce dependence on sole-source and obsolete technologies.
• Maintaining visibility into semiconductor market trends and supplier product roadmaps to minimize future business disruption.

Partner closely with Engineering throughout the product development process to ensure supply chain considerations are incorporated early in design.

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting supplier selection during concept and development phases.
• Driving Design for Supply Chain (DfSC) best…