Global Category Manager - Indirect & Subcontractor Operations

VulcanForms Inc.

Ayer (MA)

On-site

USD 86,000 - 118,000

Full time

13 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and equity package

Health, dental, vision, life insurance

Job summary

VulcanForms Inc. in Massachusetts seeks a Global Category Manager for Indirect & Subcontractor Operations to own sourcing strategy and supplier relationships across IT, services, MRO, and more. You will drive cost efficiency, supplier quality, and continuity at scale.

The role partners with Finance, Legal, IT, HR, and Operations to align priorities, manage risk, and deliver a multi-year savings roadmap. Strong leadership and executive communication are essential.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required.
10+ years of progressive procurement or supply chain experience with indirect or subcontractor categories.
Proven track record developing and executing multi-year category strategies across complex indirect spend.
Experience leading high-value commercial negotiations with professional services, IT, or MRO suppliers.
Strong financial acumen including should-cost modeling and TCO analysis.

Responsibilities

Own and develop the multi-year category strategy for indirect spend categories.
Lead sourcing and commercial negotiations for indirect suppliers and subcontractors.
Manage replenishment of spares and consumables across production pillars.
Build and maintain a preferred supplier panel; qualify new providers and monitor performance.
Develop should-cost models and TCO analyses to drive savings.
Identify and mitigate supply risk; maintain risk registers.
Collaborate with Finance, Legal, IT, HR, and Operations to align strategies.
Establish procurement policies and supplier codes of conduct.
Define and deliver annual savings roadmap and report metrics.
Scope, onboard, and develop category specialist support.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Financial analysis

Communication

Influence stakeholders

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA or advanced degree in Supply Chain/Business

Tools

ERP systems (Epicor, SAP)

Job description

About Us

Founded in 2015 to develop the world’s first industrially scalable laser metal additive manufacturing solution, VulcanForms is reshaping how the world manufactures critical products. We build and operate advanced digital infrastructure that enables innovation, accelerates growth, and supports sustainability across aerospace, defense, medical, and other essential industries. Through our vertically integrated capabilities, including scalable additive manufacturing and precision machining, we deliver true end-to-end production at scale by combining cutting-edge technology with a foundation of proven industrial craftsmanship. Our team brings deep expertise in manufacturing, materials science, software, automation, and operations, united by a shared commitment to quality, curiosity, and accountability. We foster an inclusive culture where people take ownership, solve meaningful problems, and continuously learn, because we believe diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes.

Job Purpose

The Global Category Manager (GCM) – Indirect & Subcontractor Operations owns the end-to-end sourcing strategy, supplier relationships, and commercial frameworks for VulcanForms' indirect spend and subcontracted services. This includes IT, professional services, MRO, office/facilities consumables, HR services, marketing, T&E, and ongoing replenishment of spares and consumables across all production pillars. Reporting to the VP of Supply Chain, the GCM partners closely with functional leaders across the business to deliver cost efficiency, supplier quality, and supply continuity at scale.

Key Responsibilities

Own and continuously develop the multi-year category strategy for all indirect spend categories: IT (hardware, software, telecom, cybersecurity), professional services (legal, consulting, audit, recruiting), MRO, facilities consumables, marketing, and T&E.
Lead sourcing and commercial negotiations for strategic indirect suppliers and subcontractors, including master service agreements, pricing frameworks, SLAs, and renewal terms.
Manage ongoing replenishment of spares and consumables across all production pillars, executing within supplier frameworks established by pillar GCMs at the point of equipment purchase.
Build and maintain a preferred supplier panel for subcontracted services; qualify new providers and manage performance against cost, quality, and delivery KPIs.
Develop and maintain should-cost models and total cost of ownership (TCO) analyses across managed categories to drive savings and challenge incumbent pricing.
Identify, assess, and mitigate supply risk across indirect categories; maintain category risk registers and execute continuity plans.
Partner with Finance, Legal, IT, HR, and Operations stakeholders to align category strategies with business priorities and budget cycles.
Establish procurement policies, supplier codes of conduct, and sourcing playbooks for indirect categories.
Define and deliver an annual savings roadmap; report progress and category health metrics to VP Supply Chain and executive leadership.
Scope, onboard, and develop category specialist support as the indirect category team grows.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required; MBA or advanced degree in Supply Chain, Business, or a related field preferred.
10+ years of progressive procurement or supply chain experience, with at least 5 years managing indirect or subcontractor categories at a senior or leadership level.
Demonstrated track record of developing and executing multi-year category strategies across complex, cross-functional indirect spend portfolios.
Experience leading high-value commercial negotiations with professional services, IT, or MRO suppliers.
Strong financial acumen including should-cost modeling, TCO analysis, and savings tracking.
Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and build trusted partnerships with functional leaders across a matrixed organization.
Exceptional communication and executive presentation skills.
Comfort operating in an ambiguous, fast-paced environment with limited administrative support.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in a high-growth manufacturing, defense, or advanced technology environment.
Familiarity with ERP systems (Epicor, SAP, or similar) and spend analytics platforms.
Prior experience building or formalizing an indirect procurement function from early-stage.
CPSM, CPM, or equivalent professional certification.
Experience managing IT software and SaaS vendor agreements in a manufacturing context.
Exposure to ITAR-regulated or government-contract supply chains.

VulcanForms offers a competitive salary and equity package. Actual compensation is based on factors such as the candidate's skills, qualifications, and experience. In addition, VulcanForms provides comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; generous paid time off; and a 401(k) plan with company match.

The annual base salary range for this position is $85,800.00 to $117,900.00.

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