Sourcing Category Leads - Mechanical and Electrical

Expert Executive Recruiters (EER Global); Eden Prairie (MN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Expert Executive Recruiters (EER Global) is seeking a Sourcing Category Lead to own end-to-end strategies for Mechanical and Electrical categories. You will lead supplier relationships and collaborate with R&D and Engineering on cost-focused product introductions.

This role requires 5+ years in strategic sourcing within manufacturing, with proven negotiation skills and experience in electrical components. Strong data analysis and ERP/MRP proficiency are essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive strategic sourcing or commodity management experience in a manufacturing environment with ownership of supplier relationships.
• Proven negotiation and contracting track record with long-term agreements and measurable cost savings.
• Hands-on experience in electrical category components: PCBAs, connectors, cables/wire harnesses, power supplies, passive/active components.
• Strong cost-modeling and data-analysis skills with ERP/MRP and advanced Excel.
• Experience collaborating with R&D during new product introductions and supplier qualification.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for the category to optimize cost, quality, supply continuity, and innovation.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and long-term agreements and deliver measurable annual savings.
• Lead RFx events, should-cost analysis, benchmarking, and make-versus-buy decisions.
• Run supplier performance management with scorecards and quarterly business reviews with supplier executives.
• Partner with Engineering during new product introduction on design for cost/manufacturability and supplier selection.
• Manage supply risk: capacity, lead times, shortages, tariffs, and single-source exposure.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Contract negotiation

Supplier relationship management

R&D collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

SAP/Oracle ERP

Advanced Excel

Job description

Sourcing Category Leads - Mechanical and Electrical

A global industrial 3D printing company with a major base in Minnesota is seeking Sourcing Category Leads to lead strategic sourcing across two categories: Mechanical and Electrical.

The company builds advanced manufacturing systems used in aerospace, medical, automotive, and defense.

These are true sourcing roles, not purchasing. You will own a category end to end, run the business with your suppliers, and work side by side with R&D and Engineering on new products. It’s a strong opportunity for a sourcing professional who combines technical depth with commercial confidence.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for your category to optimize cost, quality, supply continuity, and innovation.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and long-term agreements, and deliver measurable annual savings.
• Lead RFx events, should-cost analysis, benchmarking, and make-versus-buy decisions.
• Run supplier performance management, including scorecards and quarterly business reviews with supplier executives.
• Partner with Engineering during new product introduction on design for cost, design for manufacturability, supplier selection, and qualification.
• Manage supply risk: capacity, lead times, shortages, tariffs, and single-source exposure.

Requirements:

• 5+ years of progressive strategic sourcing or commodity management experience in a manufacturing environment, with real ownership of supplier relationships.
• Proven negotiation and contracting track record, including long-term agreements, with documented cost savings.
• Hands-on experience in at least one of these areas:
• Electrical category: PCBAs, connectors, cables and wire harnesses, power supplies, passive and active components.
• Strong cost-modeling and data-analysis skills, with ERP/MRP (SAP, Oracle, or equivalent) and advanced Excel.
• Confidence leading supplier business reviews and working directly with R&D.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred (Engineering, Supply Chain, Business or related), but strong experience can replace it. CPSM, CPIM, Lean, or Six Sigma is a plus.
• Experience in capital equipment, medical devices, aerospace, or high-tech hardware is a strong advantage.

Note

These are individual contributor roles. Candidates who have managed teams and now want hands-on category ownership are welcome.