Category Manager Components & Supplier Development Manager Americas

Datwyler; North Canton (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Datwyler is seeking a Category Manager Components and Supplier Development Manager for the Americas to oversee category management and supplier development. This role involves negotiating supplier contracts, developing strategies for cost reduction, and ensuring supplier compliance. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of experience in supplier management. Strong negotiation and project management skills are essential. The position offers significant responsibility in contributing to the company's operational efficiency and value enhancement.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in supplier management or procurement role.
• Proven track record in supplier auditing and risk mitigation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Supplier price and contract negotiations.
• Develop and execute category strategies.
• Lead supplier development initiatives.

Skills

Supplier management

Interpersonal skills

Negotiation

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Digital procurement tools

Job description

Category Manager Components & Supplier Development Manager Americas

In billions of syringes and in every second car worldwide, Datwyler components make an important contribution to the safety of patients and drivers. The high‑tech company focuses on high‑quality, system‑critical elastomer components and holds leading positions in attractive global markets such as healthcare, mobility, connectivity, general industry and food & beverage. With over 25 production sites on four continents, sales in more than 100 countries and over 8,000 employees, the company, headquartered in Switzerland, generates annual sales of more than CHF 1,000 million.

Category Manager Components / Supplier Development Manager (Combined Role)

This combined role integrates category management responsibilities for components & sub‑contracting with supplier development and incident management for the region Americas. The goal is to ensure cost optimization, supplier commercial, delivery and quality performance. Through the development and execution of targeted strategies, this role significantly contributes to operational efficiency and the enhancement of corporate value.

Responsibilities

• Supplier price and contract negotiations
• Developing and executing category strategies
• Driving of cost reduction initiatives
• Conduct new supplier assessments, approvals, onboarding, and training programs
• Initiate and track measures for supplier performance improvements
• Mitigating supplier risks
• Lead supplier development initiatives, including sustainability improvements
• Conduct supplier audits to ensure compliance with ethical and operational standards
• Organize supplier development meetings and business reviews to ensure continuous improvement

Accountabilities

• Ensuring competitive prices and favorable conditions
• Achieving KPI targets, particularly in cost management and the supplier performance
• Building and maintaining the strategic supplier panel and ensure a long‑term supply contingency

Collaboration Areas / Interfaces

• Close collaboration with internal stakeholders to align corporate and procurement objectives
• Active communication and negotiation with suppliers to ensure optimal outcomes

Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field
• Minimum 5 years of experience in supplier management or a procurement role, preferably in a manufacturing or industrial context
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Proven track record in supplier auditing, risk mitigation, and resolving supplier incidents
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional teams and drive cost‑saving initiatives, achieving measurable improvements in efficiency and profitability
• Strong negotiation skills and experience in managing complex contract negotiations
• Project management skills to support procurement initiatives
• Knowledge of ERP systems and digital procurement tools

This position carries significant responsibility and provides an opportunity to contribute to the company's success through strategic procurement leadership.