Category Manager - Castings

Global Category Manager, Casting

This hybrid role is based in Rosemont, IL or Milwaukee, WI and requires 30% international travel.

Position Summary

The Global Category Manager, Casting is a strategic leadership role responsible for developing and executing global sourcing strategies for casting materials. Reporting to the Sr. Director, Category Management, this position collaborates with regional and segment supply chain teams, product leaders, operations, and other key stakeholders to drive cost savings, supplier performance, and supply chain sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Sourcing & Category Leadership
• Develop and implement global sourcing strategies for casting materials to optimize cost, quality, and supply chain efficiency.
• Align category strategies with corporate objectives, financial targets, and operational needs.
• Drive year-over-year cost savings initiatives and ensure financial performance targets are met.
• Supplier Management & Negotiation
• Identify, evaluate, and develop strategic supplier partnerships across global and regional markets.
• Lead supplier negotiations covering pricing, payment terms, freight, raw material fluctuations, and inventory levels.
• Source materials from low-cost regions to improve cost competitiveness.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Operational Support
• Work closely with engineering, product management, operations, and technical teams to ensure alignment with manufacturing requirements.
• Provide strategic oversight for sourcing projects, ensuring efficient execution and stakeholder engagement.
• Conduct market and delivery condition analysis to forecast future product needs and supply chain risks.
• Cost Management & Process Improvement
• Drive spend analysis and develop countermeasures for underperforming cost-saving projects.
• Implement cost modeling strategies for casting and machined components.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, driving innovation in sourcing and supply chain operations.
• Reporting & KPI Management
• Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) related to strategic sourcing, cost reductions, supplier performance, and risk mitigation.
• Present strategic sourcing plans and category updates to executive leadership and key stakeholders.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• 7 years of experience in strategic procurement/supply chain management within an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Strong expertise in casting and machining processes, supplier management, and cost modeling.
• Proven experience in global sourcing, supplier negotiations, and contract management.
• Experience sourcing from low-cost regions and working within matrix-driven organizations.
• Demonstrated success in change management and optimizing procurement operations.
• Ability to analyze complex supply chain data, identify trends, and drive strategic decisions.

Additional Details

• Travel Requirement: ~30% (including international travel)
• Compensation: $150K base salary Bonus Benefits