Global Category Manager

Johnson Controls; Milwaukee (WI); Remote; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a global leader in building technologies as a Global Category Manager. This role involves impactful procurement strategies for Electronics Manufacturing, focusing on supplier management and cost optimization across various product lines. Leverage your expertise to drive performance while collaborating with diverse stakeholders in a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary and bonus

Paid vacation/holidays/sick time

Comprehensive benefits package including 401K, medical, dental, and vision care

Developmental opportunities

Collaborative team environment

Dedication to safety through our Zero Harm policy

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of procurement/sourcing experience in large-scale, complex categories.
• Strong knowledge of electronics products and industry trends.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Manage global annual spend of $180M–$250M focusing on cost optimization and supply chain resilience.
• Lead sourcing activities including RFI, RFQ, and RFP processes.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive category strategy aligned with business needs.

Skills

Data analysis

Negotiation

Supplier management

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or Operations

Master’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

ERP systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP)

Job description

At JCI, we are committed to becoming the global leader in smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings. Our mission is to redefine building performance to better serve people, places, and the planet. We invite you to join our winning team and build your best future with us! Our diverse teams have the opportunity to support a wide range of industries worldwide, and we are dedicated to your professional development through impactful projects and continuous learning. Enjoy our supportive work environment focused on enhancing your physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and bonus
• Paid vacation/holidays/sick time
• Comprehensive benefits package including 401K, medical, dental, and vision care starting day one!
• Developmental opportunities
• Encouraging and collaborative team environment
• Dedication to safety through our Zero Harm policy

What you will do

The Global Category Manager (GCM) plays a pivotal role within our Procurement organization, overseeing global category management for Electronics Manufacturing, covering PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly), SMT, Box-Build, ODM/JDM, and Turnkey Assembly across all Product Business Units within the Global Products Organization. As a procurement Subject Matter Expert (SME), the GCM will lead sourcing and category strategies, manage supplier relationships, and drive performance across a complex, global supply base.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage a global annual spend of $180M–$250M, with a strategic focus on cost optimization, quality enhancement, and supply chain resilience. Lead end-to-end sourcing activities including RFI, RFQ, and RFP processes for PCBA and electronics commodities. Serve as the primary business interface with Contract Manufacturers (CMs), overseeing supplier relationship management, continuity of supply, risk mitigation, commercial negotiations, and seamless execution from New Product Introduction (NPI) through Mass Production (MP).
• Internal Stakeholders: Collaborate effectively with key stakeholders (engineering, operations, quality, etc.) to understand category requirements, ensure supplier qualification, and maintain high quality standards.
• Cross-functional Teams: Partner with business unit Procurement teams to facilitate smooth supplier transitions. Support NPI teams by leveraging preferred supplier programs.
• Category Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive category strategy aligned with business needs and procurement best practices.
• Cost Optimization: Drive cost reductions through price negotiations and continuous improvement initiatives including Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) improvements through VA/VE, should-cost modeling, and design-to-cost initiatives.
• Optimize Payment Terms: Negotiate favorable payment terms with suppliers to improve cash flow and optimize working capital. Explore Supply Chain Financing: Investigate and implement supply chain financing solutions (e.g., supplier financing programs) to improve cash flow and enhance supplier relationships.
• Supplier Segmentation: Implement effective supplier segmentation and expand the Preferred Supplier Program based on business requirements.
• Contract Lifecycle: Manage the entire contract lifecycle, ensuring compliance and continuity of supply.
• Supplier Selection: Conduct thorough RFx processes to select and negotiate contracts with optimal terms and conditions.
• Supplier Risk Mitigation: Actively identify and mitigate potential risks associated with suppliers, including financial, capacity, quality, and compliance issues.
• Supplier Relationships: Oversee Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) activities and conduct regular supplier reviews to ensure performance meets program objectives (Quality, Cost, Delivery).
• Meet or exceed key performance indicators (KPIs) related to cost, quality, and supplier performance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or Operations; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of procurement/sourcing experience in large-scale, complex, or global categories—preferably in electronics.
• Experience with EMS/CEM outsourcing at PCBA and finished goods levels.
• Strong knowledge of electronics products, market dynamics, and industry trends.
• Proficiency in data analysis and relevant procurement tools.
• Proven ability to assess, negotiate, and manage suppliers effectively.
• Strong collaboration, facilitation, and conflict resolution skills in a matrixed environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP) preferred.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% domestically and internationally.
• Spanish language skills are a plus.

About You:

• You are a strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• You are results-oriented and thrive in achieving ambitious goals.
• You are an effective communicator and collaborator with excellent interpersonal skills.
• You are proactive, self-motivated, and capable of working independently and in teams.
• You are passionate about continuous improvement and innovation.

This role offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to contribute to the success of a global leader in building technologies.

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Johnson Controls International plc. is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law. To view more information about your equal opportunity and non-discrimination rights as a candidate, visit EEO is the Law . If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please visit here.