Strategic Category Manager - Engineering & Tech Services

International; Lisle (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

International Motors USA in Lisle, Illinois seeks a Category Manager, Engineering & Technical Services to lead strategic sourcing for externally sourced engineering, testing, software development, and technical services. You will partner with Engineering, Product Development and Operations to develop sourcing strategies, manage supplier performance and deliver measurable cost savings.

The role requires strong negotiation, contract management and supplier relationship skills, with the ability to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus 5+ years purchasing/procurement experience or equivalent
• Master's degree plus 3+ years purchasing/procurement experience with lead experience
• 8+ years purchasing/procurement experience with lead experience

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies for engineering and technical services including design engineering, testing, software development, technical consulting, and outsourced engineering resources.
• Align procurement strategies across regions and business units within TRATON and Volkswagen.
• Lead competitive sourcing initiatives, including RFIs, RFPs, cost benchmarking, supplier evaluations, negotiations, and presenting sourcing recommendations.
• Negotiate commercial agreements, rate cards, MSAs, and SOWs.
• Build and manage strategic supplier relationships to drive performance, innovation, quality, and cost competitiveness.
• Partner with business stakeholders to understand resource requirements and long-term capability needs.
• Prepare executive-level summaries and presentations to support leadership reviews for the category.
• Deliver measurable cost savings, cost avoidance, and value creation while ensuring uninterrupted support for engineering programs.
• Use benchmarking and fact-based analysis to inform sourcing decisions.
• Monitor market trends, supplier capabilities, and industry developments to inform sourcing strategies.

Skills

Negotiation

Contract management

Supplier management

Cross-functional influence

Sourcing strategy

Stakeholder communication

Financial analysis

Executive communication

Presentation skills

Collaboration across brands

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Master's degree

8+ years procurement experience

Job description

International Motors USA in Lisle, Illinois seeks a Category Manager, Engineering & Technical Services to lead strategic sourcing for externally sourced engineering, testing, software development, and technical services. You will partner with Engineering, Product Development and Operations to develop sourcing strategies, manage supplier performance and deliver measurable cost savings.

The role requires strong negotiation, contract management and supplier relationship skills, with the ability to