Global Category Manager - Electronics

Responsibilities

• Serves as the resident subject-matter expert on factors relevant to the electronics category, including product knowledge, applications/usage, processing knowledge, cost structure, global market dynamics, supplier capabilities, supplier market share, and supplier benchmarking.
• Develops and executes multi-year global category strategies and playbooks for electronic components, balancing cost, innovation, quality, and supply continuity.
• Utilizes contract negotiation, process changes, and implementation of sustainable cost controls—including collaboration with Finance—to validate the impact of proposed projects and drive stakeholder approval.
• Drafts, negotiates, and executes supplier contracts and Master Supply Agreements (MSAs), managing terms, liability, tooling, and pricing mechanisms.
• Manages semiconductor allocation, component lifecycle (EOL/PCN), obsolescence, and supply shortage mitigation to protect production continuity.
• Uses strategic sourcing tools to proactively conduct spend analysis, maintain should-cost and cost models by supplier and category, and communicate overall supplier performance, technology trends, and market conditions.
• Manages, develops, and maintains business relationships with suppliers and Electronic Manufacturing Service (EMS) partners, including supplier segmentation and relationship management.
• Manages and implements strategies and goals for the electronics category that support department objectives for quality, cost, payment terms, and supplier development.
• Leads supplier quality, delivery, cost, and performance management, driving corrective actions and continuous improvement (PPM, OTD, 8D).
• Supports New Product Introduction (NPI/NSI) with early supplier involvement, design-to-cost, and VA/VE initiatives in partnership with Engineering.
• Drives regionalization/localization strategies and dual-sourcing to reduce risk and total cost of ownership across the Americas, EMEA, APAC, and India.
• Routinely presents proposals, recommendations, and category metrics to senior leadership.
• Mentors and provides guidance to junior category managers and sourcing specialists; may act as team lead for the electronics category.
• Applies 7-Step Strategic Sourcing or other recognized strategic sourcing methodologies.

Requirements

• Ability to analyze complex information and evaluates results to select the best solution and solve multi-variable problems.
• Ability to identify underlying principles, reasons, facts, and cost drivers by breaking down data into component parts.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents such as engineering drawings, specifications, policy manuals, and procedure manuals.
• Exceptional analytical, data, and risk-management skills—prediction, identification, and mitigation of supply risk.
• Deep understanding of electronic components, PCB/PCBA manufacturing, semiconductor markets, and EMS supply chains preferred.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without direct authority at the executive level.

Who we want

If you are a self-motivated and collaborative individual who is passionate about making a positive impact, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Hard-working winners

Confident, competitive, and results-oriented professionals who create a track record of success.

Dedicated achievers

• People who thrive in a fast-paced environment and will stop at nothing to ensure a project is complete and meets regulations and expectations.
• Skills Knowledge and Expertise

What you need

Strong experience in contract management, including complex contract and MSA negotiation.

Education and Experience

• Required Years of Experience: 7-10 years of relevant category management / strategic sourcing experience, with a significant portion in the electronics or electrical components space.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, Supply Chain, or equivalent; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Knowledge: Functional understanding of JDE or ERP systems, supply chain, logistics, warehousing, distribution, importing, exporting, and shipping.
• Professional certification such as C.P.M., CPSM, or CPM is a plus.

Computer Skills

Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access) with Power BI for spend analytics and dashboards.

Don’t feel like you check all the boxes? Here at Franklin Electric, we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive culture which includes embracing candidates from a variety of different backgrounds and industries. We highly encourage you to apply so we can connect on this and future opportunities.

COMPANY VALUES & BENEFITS

FE provides many opportunities to learn and grow through development opportunities such as training, certifications, mentorship, leadership programs, tuition reimbursement, one-on-one coaching and more! We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and amenities such as:

Hybrid remote work arrangements

Generous paid time off & holidays

Paid parental leave & on-site motherhood rooms

On site café & complimentary beverage stations

Indoor fitness facility & outdoor walking paths

401(k) with matching & service contributions

Health, dental, vision, life insurance

Short & long-term disability

Fertility & adoption support

Undergraduate & graduate tuition reimbursement

Professional development assistance

Health & wellness programs

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• Global Headquarters here in Fort Wayne, Indiana.