Category Management Direct Manager

Job Description

The Senior Category Manager Metal Frames & Mechanical Categories is responsible for developing and executing the global category strategy for structural and mechanical commodities supporting Vertiv''s Infrastructure Solutions business In AMER. This role provides strategic leadership for a multi-million-dollar portfolio by driving supply base development, supplier innovation, commercial excellence, capacity planning, and total cost of ownership optimization. Working cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Product Management, and Project Procurement, the Senior Category Manager establishes long-term sourcing strategies, strengthens global supplier partnerships, mitigates supply chain risk, and drives standardization, cost competitiveness, and manufacturing scalability to support Vertiv''s continued growth in the hyperscale and AI data center markets.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute global category strategies for Metal Frames and Mechanical commodities that align with Vertiv''s business objectives, product roadmap, and long-term growth strategy.
• Own the end-to-end category lifecycle, including category planning, supplier segmentation, technology roadmaps, market intelligence, and strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Lead executive-level commercial negotiations to establish long-term agreements that optimize total cost of ownership, supply continuity, quality, and service performance.
• Develop and maintain a resilient, scalable, and globally competitive supply base through supplier identification, qualification, development, and performance management.
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Product Management, and Project Procurement to influence product standardization, manufacturability, and value engineering initiatives.
• Drive supplier innovation, capacity expansion, localization, and low-cost country sourcing strategies to support business growth and improve supply chain competitiveness.
• Monitor global market trends, commodity indices, manufacturing technologies, and geopolitical risks to proactively identify opportunities and mitigate supply chain disruptions.
• Lead supplier business reviews, performance scorecards, executive governance meetings, and continuous improvement initiatives to achieve world-class quality, delivery, and operational excellence.
• Develop should-cost models, benchmarking analyses, and total cost of ownership assessments to support sourcing decisions and drive sustainable productivity improvements.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities, manufacturing processes, financial health, and operational risks to ensure long-term strategic alignment and business continuity.
• Deliver measurable improvements in cost, productivity, working capital, supplier performance, and supply chain resilience while supporting new product introductions and strategic business initiatives.
• Mentor and provide functional leadership to sourcing professionals, fostering best practices in category management, supplier development, and strategic procurement across the organization.
• Effectively prioritize multiple strategic initiatives and lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, global environment while influencing decisions across all levels of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor''s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field; Master''s degree (MBA or Engineering Management) preferred.
• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CPM, APICS (CPIM/CSCP), CIPS, or equivalent are preferred.
• 8-10 years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, category management, or supply chain leadership within a global manufacturing environment, including experience managing complex mechanical or fabricated commodities.
• Demonstrated expertise in metal fabrication, structural steel, mechanical assemblies, machining, welding, sheet metal, and related manufacturing processes.
• Proven success managing multi-million-dollar global spend portfolios and delivering significant, sustainable cost reductions through category strategy, supplier development, should-cost analysis, and total cost of ownership (TCO) optimization.
• Strong experience developing global supply bases, qualifying new suppliers, leading low-cost country sourcing initiatives, and improving supplier capacity and resiliency.
• Exceptional executive-level negotiation, supplier relationship management, and cross-functional leadership skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders across Engineering, Operations, Quality, Finance, and Product Management.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen with experience in should-cost modeling, value engineering (VA/VE), market intelligence, supplier performance analytics, and business case development.
• Advanced proficiency in ERP systems (Oracle, SAP, or equivalent), Power BI, advanced Excel, and data analytics tools.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and strategic planning skills with the ability to lead complex initiatives in a fast-paced, global organization.

PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

• N/A

TIME TRAVEL REQUIRED:

• 40%