Catagory Manager

About Comlux America
Comlux America is a world-class VIP aircraft completion and refurbishment center located in Indianapolis, Indiana. The company designs, engineers, and installs custom luxury interiors and advanced aircraft systems for airliner-derivative business jets. Comlux also offers scheduled and unscheduled maintenance services.  Specializing in highly customized aircraft, Comlux transforms aircraft into personalized flying environments that reflect exceptional craftsmanship, precision engineering, and uncompromising safety.

Role Description

The Category Manager is responsible for the strategic sourcing, development, and management of assigned procurement categories and supplier relationships. This role develops and executes category strategies that support cost-effective sourcing, supplier performance, material availability, and overall business objectives. The Category Manager works closely with Program Management, Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Operations, Contracts, and Procurement to develop sourcing strategies, evaluate make-versus-buy opportunities, establish supplier agreements, and ensure the organization maintains a reliable and competitive supply base.

Essential Job Functions

·         Manage and maintain accountability for assigned procurement categories and associated supplier base, including supplier evaluations, sourcing activities, strategic planning, and supplier development.

·         Develop and execute strategic sourcing plans for assigned categories in alignment with company objectives, operational requirements, and project needs.

·         Identify, evaluate, and develop new suppliers to strengthen the company’s supply base, improve competitiveness, and mitigate supply chain risk.

·         Lead the sourcing process for assigned categories, including supplier identification, bid evaluation, negotiations, selection, and transition of awarded business to Procurement for tactical purchasing.

·         Negotiate Master Terms Agreements (MTA), contracts, pricing agreements, performance requirements, and service-level agreements with suppliers.

·         Establish and maintain strong supplier relationships while holding suppliers accountable for agreed-upon cost, quality, delivery, and performance expectations.

·         Develop and monitor supplier Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and take corrective action when suppliers fail to meet established requirements.

·         Collaborate closely with Program Management, Engineering, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, Operations, Contracts, and Procurement to ensure sourcing strategies meet program and operational requirements.

·         Represent Procurement in sourcing strategy meetings, program risk reviews, and other cross-functional planning activities.

·         Coordinate sourcing objectives across Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, and other functional organizations to ensure alignment of technical, commercial, quality, and delivery requirements.

·         Lead make-versus-buy analysis and provide recommendations based on cost, capability, capacity, quality, schedule, and strategic considerations.

·         Evaluate category and supplier risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure continuity of supply and achievement of program requirements.

·         Partner with Procurement and other stakeholders to monitor supplier delivery, receiving, inspection, invoicing, and payment issues and facilitate timely resolution.

·         Develop and maintain category and supplier performance metrics and provide regular reporting and recommendations to management.

·         Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities related to sourcing, supplier performance, cost reduction, material availability, and procurement processes.

·         Support the development and implementation of Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), supplier stocking, and other supply chain strategies where appropriate.

·         Ensure sourcing and supplier management activities are conducted in accordance with company policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory and contractual requirements.

·         Serve as a subject matter expert and internal resource on strategic sourcing, category management, supplier development, and procurement practices.

·         Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications, Education and Experience

·         Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration, or a related field.

·         7–10 years of progressive experience in category management, strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management, preferably within an aerospace, aviation, manufacturing, or other complex project-based environment.

·         Demonstrated experience developing and executing category strategies and managing strategic supplier relationships.

·         Experience negotiating supplier agreements, contracts, pricing, performance requirements, and service-level agreements.

·         Experience working within complex manufacturing, project-based, and/or serial production environments.

·         Experience with make-versus-buy analysis, supplier development, and supply chain risk management.

·         Experience with Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) or similar supplier inventory programs preferred.

·         Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional projects and implementing process or organizational change.

Required Skills and Abilities

·         Strong understanding of strategic sourcing, category management, procurement, supplier management, and supply chain principles.

·         Strong analytical and financial skills, including the ability to evaluate supplier pricing, total cost, sourcing alternatives, and business cases.

·         Excellent negotiation and contract management skills.

·         Strong project management and change management capabilities.

·         Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively influence internal and external stakeholders.

·         Advanced organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and complex projects simultaneously.

·         Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify supply chain risks and develop effective mitigation strategies.

·         Ability to establish and maintain productive relationships with suppliers, internal stakeholders, and senior leadership.

·         Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

·         Experience with ERP, procurement, sourcing, or supply chain management systems.

·         Results-oriented with a hands-on, proactive, and continuous-improvement mindset.

·         Ability to represent Comlux professionally as a supply chain and procurement subject matter expert with both internal and external stakeholders.

Work Environment

This position is based in an aircraft hangar environment and may involve:

·         Exposure to varying temperatures and weather conditions

·         Loud noise levels

·         Use of heavy machinery and specialized tools

·         Potential contact with chemicals or hazardous materials

·         Working in confined aircraft interior spaces

Why join us?

Your success is our success. We provide a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package that supports you and your family.

·         401(k) with company annual contribution equal to 3% of eligible compensation

·         Company-sponsored HSA

·         100% company-paid vision premiums

·         Medical, Dental, Life Insurance, and EAP benefits

·         Free financial consultations and guidance

EEO Statement

Comlux is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, disability, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.