Category Manager

ECI is seeking a dynamic Category Manager to join our Southfield, Michigan team. As a Category Manager, you’ll shape commodity strategies, spearhead cost‑saving projects, manage contracts and pricing negotiations, and build strong relationships with both internal stakeholders and key suppliers to ensure business objectives are met.

Founded in 1953, Electrical Components International (ECI) is one of the world’s leading suppliers of electrical distribution systems, control box assemblies, and other critical engineered components for diversified markets. With 20,000 employees and 39 global manufacturing locations, ECI is the trusted partner to market leaders with 450+ customers. At ECI, we power smart, connected, and electrified solutions™ that help solve the most complex challenges.

Since 2020, we have embarked on a successful journey to transform the company, delivering significant value to our customers, investors and employees. As part of our strategic plan, we have defined key pillars to support and accelerate our growth trajectory. One of these core pillars is focused on driving excellence through enhanced capabilities, tools and processes.

The Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing category purchasing strategies for terminals and connectors that drive business growth, cost savings, and supplier performance. This strategic sourcing responsibility includes developing overall commodity strategies which includes identifying and implementing cost‑saving initiatives, project management and implementation, contract and pricing negotiations, building relationships with key internal stakeholders and suppliers to manage business expectations and requirements.

• Develop and implement category plans based on market trends, spend analysis, and business objectives.
• Develop a best‑in‑class supply base for all facets of the business, both White Goods & New Markets.
• Identify, evaluate, and manage key suppliers to ensure quality, reliability, and value.
• Increase working capital turnover through payment terms and the implementation of supply strategies, in conjunction with Supply Chain team, such as Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), Kanban, Consignment, etc.
• Lead negotiations on pricing, contracts, and service agreements to achieve optimal value for the organization.
• Improve supplier quality and on‑time delivery performance.
• Develop robust supplier relationships through appropriate interaction that instructs suppliers on key ECI business initiatives, ethics and growth plans.
• Act as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) on assigned purchased categories and supply base.
• Monitor category performance, market conditions, and emerging trends to identify opportunities and mitigate risks.
• Develop systems/processes to achieve defect‑free supplier performance (Quality, Delivery, Responsiveness & Cost - QDRC).
• Focus on continuous improvement and improved supplier Total Cost of Ownership performance.
• Proactively communicate with top level management on supplier sourcing issues.
• Act as a liaison with other functional leaders and corporate support team.
• Partner with internal stakeholders (Finance, Operations, Marketing, Legal, etc.) to align category initiatives with company goals.
• Track and manage category budgets, driving cost efficiencies and strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for category and supplier performance.
• Identify and implement process improvements, innovative sourcing strategies, and sustainability initiatives.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Operations or Engineering (highly preferred).
• Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) or Master’s of Engineering or Operations preferred.
• Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing training and certification preferred.
• Supply Chain Certification (i.e., CPM, CPIM, etc.) desirable.
• Minimum of 5 years of Strategic Purchasing/Sourcing experience, including Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) improvement program development & implementation.
• Purchasing Commodity Strategy Development.
• Strong working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems.
• Strong ability in reading and managing data to drive business…