Indirect Category Manager

Job Title: Indirect Category Manager

Location: Simpsonville, SC

Reports to: Global Director of Supply Chain & Supplier Quality

Employment Type: Full-time

Seniority Level: Senior Level

Industry: Manufacturing | Mechanical Power Transmission Components | Engineering Services

Job Function: Sourcing | Supplier Management | Cost Improvement

Job Summary: The Indirect Material Category Manager leads sourcing strategy, supplier management, and cost improvement initiatives across MRO, PPE, tooling, packaging, facility supplies, and indirect services. The role supports all North American plants and drives standardization, supplier consolidation, and improved service levels to enhance operational reliability and plant readiness.

• Develop and execute category strategies for MRO, PPE, tooling, packaging, facilities, and indirect services.
• Lead RFQs, supplier evaluations, negotiations, and cost analysis to secure competitive pricing and favorable terms.
• Develop, renew, and manage national and regional agreements for indirect materials and services.
• Standardize materials, suppliers, and programs across North American plants.
• Support plant teams with sourcing needs, troubleshooting, and supplier performance issues.
• Manage supplier relationships, performance metrics, and business reviews.
• Support OpEx and Lean initiatives through cost reduction, waste elimination, and process improvement.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• 3–5 years of procurement or supply chain experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Strong analytical ability, negotiation skills, and communication skills.
• Ability to work cross functionally in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Certifications such as CPIM, CPSM, CLSS, or equivalent.
• Experience with indirect categories such as MRO, PPE, tooling, packaging, or services.
• Experience with SAP or similar ERP.
• Experience with e sourcing platforms or supplier portal systems.
• Advanced analytics skills (Excel, Power BI, cost modeling).
• Familiarity with Lean, TPM, OpEx, and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Extended periods of sitting at a workstation.
• Speaking in person and over the telephone or Teams online.
• Ability to type, reach, and grasp.
• Intermittent standing and walking within the office environment.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing for extended periods.
• Position requires travel up to 10%, including visits to supplier sites and manufacturing locations.

• Work alongside a collaborative, experienced leadership team.
• Be part of an industry leader with a strong brand reputation and an innovation-driven culture.

RBC Bearings is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review The Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.