Category Manager - Mechanical Fabrication

Job Description
The Category Manager for Mechanical Fabrication is responsible for setting strategic direction for the defined product technology and supply base. This role will lead a team of Supplier Development Engineers and Continuous Improvment subject matter experts and has Sector level responsibility in deploying strategies toward optimizing supply base cost, quality, and delivery. Must support overall business goals by analyzing market trends, supplier capabilities, and program expectations to achieve best in class category performance.

Key Leadership & Oversight Categories:

• Market Intelligence:
  Conduct thorough research on technical market trends, supply base landscape, and emerging technologies to identify potential opportunities and risks within the assigned category.
• Supplier Relationship Management:
  Develop and manage relationships with key suppliers, oversee contract negotiations, delivery performance, and quality standards to ensure optimal value proposition.
• Approved and Preferred Supplier Governance:
  Evaluate and maintain supplier listing based on performance, capability, cost, and customer requirements, working closely with engineering and program teams to ensure specifications are met.
• Cost Optimization:
  Analyze spending patterns, identify cost reduction opportunities, and implement strategies to optimize procurement costs within the Mechanical Fabrication category.
• Technical Expertise:
  Maintain team structure that ensures in-depth knowledge of technical product features, functionality, and industry standards to effectively evaluate supplier offerings and make informed decisions.
• Category Strategy Development:
  Create and execute a strategic category plan aligned with overall business objectives, including Supplier Relationship Management, commercial strategy, performance metrics, supply chain resilience, and prioritized key strategic actions.
• Data Analysis:
  Utilize data analytics tools to monitor category performance, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions regarding supplier performance, supplier ratings, resource deployment, and supplier development plans.
• Stakeholder Management:
  Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as engineering, programs, procurement, quality, and operations to ensure alignment on requirements and category strategy.
• Innovation:
  Identify and implement innovative solutions to enhance supply base offerings and meet evolving customer needs.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills
Required Skills:

• Ability to effectively engage with supplier executive leadership to drive alignment of strategies to support long-term category growth.
• Ability to self-initiate category objectives as business requirements change.
• Ability to influence stakeholder alignment to drive execution of category strategy.​​​​​​​
• Technical Leadership:
  Ability to provide direction and leadership to a technical staff
• Procurement Expertise:
  Experience in sourcing strategies, contract negotiation, and supplier management.
• Analytical Skills:
  Ability to interpret complex data, perform cost-benefit analysis, and generate actionable insights.
• Project Management:
  Proven ability to manage complex projects involving technical procurement and implementation.
• Communication Skills:
  Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and present technical, market, and business information to stakeholders.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
Bachelor's Degree in technical, business, or supply chain discipline
7+ Years of experience in Mechanical Fabrication manufacturing, supply chain management, and/or quality.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $134640 - $228888

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.


About BAE Systems Electronic Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts – defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team—making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you’ll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference. Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems’ game-changing defense and commercial electronics. Exploiting every electron, we push the limits of what is possible, giving our customers the edge and our employees opportunities to change the world. Our products and capabilities can be found everywhere – from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space. At our core are more than 14,000 highly talented Electronic Systems employees with the brightest minds in the industry, we make an impact – for our customers and the communities we serve.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.