Team Lead Category Management

Job Summary:

If you are a Supply Chain professional and looking for career opportunity, Emerson has an exciting offer to you! 

The Category Management Team Leader is responsible for guiding and leading a team of highly experienced Category Managers who drive global strategies across multiple technical categories, including Fabrication, Instrumentation, Gas/Liquid Analyzers, Ultrasonic meters, Valves, Electronics, and Control Panels etc. This leadership role requires the ability to effectively manage competing priorities, drive operational excellence, and continuously enhance the team’s capabilities. Building strong stakeholder relationships, maintaining a sharp focus on process improvement, and ensuring strict compliance with company policies are also critical to success.

The ideal candidate will bring a solid background in strategic sourcing, exceptional negotiation capabilities, and a collaborative mindset to work seamlessly across departments and functions.

In this Role, Your Responsibilities Will Be:

Team Leadership & Development

• Provide strategic direction, mentorship, and performance management to a team of senior Category Managers.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
• Identify skill gaps and lead initiatives to enhance product knowledge, market understanding, and sourcing capabilities within the team.

Strategic Category Management

• Oversee the development and execution of global category strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Ensure each Category Manager maintains a deep understanding of cost structures, market dynamics, and supplier landscapes for their respective categories.
• Support the team in identifying and mitigating supply risks, optimizing total cost of ownership, and driving value creation.
• Manage Intercompany and third party supplier relationships, including negotiations, contract management, and performance evaluations.

Supplier Development & Qualification

• Analyze project funnels and select appropriate models for stocking plan. Monitor and manage inventory levels 
• Continuously seek ways to improve supplier manufacturing processes, capacity and capabilities. 
• Guide the team in identifying, evaluating, and developing new suppliers to meet evolving business needs.
• Oversee supplier qualification processes, ensuring compliance with quality, cost, and delivery standards.
• Promote supplier innovation and strategic partnerships to enhance competitiveness.

Market Intelligence & Business Alignment

• Ensure the team continuously monitors global market trends, technological advancements, and competitive landscapes.
• Translate changing business requirements into actionable sourcing strategies, including the development of new products and supplier capabilities.

Process Excellence & Governance

• Drive standardization and continuous improvement in category management processes and tools.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, ethical sourcing standards, and regulatory requirements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as a key liaison between category management, procurement, engineering, operations, quality, and other internal stakeholders.
• Facilitate effective communication and alignment across departments to support product development, cost reduction, and supply continuity.

Who You Are:

You quickly and decisively act in constantly evolving, unexpected situations. You adjust communication content and style to meet the needs of diverse partners. You always keep the end in sight; puts in extra effort to meet deadlines. You analyze multiple and diverse sources of information to define problems accurately before moving to solutions. You observe situational and group dynamics and select best-fit approach.

For This Role, You Will Need:

• Minimum 5 years of proven experience in the category Management at leadership role
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work with multiple stakeholders in a global matrix organization
• Proficiency in MS Office applications, ERP (Oracle/SAP) tools
• An understanding of any of the below listed products & Solutions will be an added advantage: 

1. Metering Skid Fabrication/Analytical Systems / Sampling System / Shelter Houses / Cabinet / Racks / Electrical Integration Component / Fittings & Valves / HVAC
2. Ball Valve / DBB Valves / Flow Control Valve / 4 Way Valves / Peggable Valves / Actuators / Pumps 
3. Gas Chromatograph / Moisture Analyzers / Dewpoint Analyzers/ Water cut Analyzer / Liquid Analyzers / Combustion Analyzers / Cascade Analyzers / Process Gas Analyzer 

Preferred Qualifications that Set You Apart:

• Engineering Graduate in Electrical/ Instrumentation/ Mechanical Engineering.
• 15 to 20 years of experience in procurement, supply chain or Category Management
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.

Our Culture & Commitment to You

At Emerson, we prioritize a workplace where every employee is valued, respected, and empowered to grow. We foster an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and diverse perspectives—because we know that great ideas come from great teams. Our commitment to ongoing career development and growing an inclusive culture ensures you have the support to thrive. Whether through mentorship, training, or leadership opportunities, we invest in your success so you can make a lasting impact. We believe diverse teams, working together are key to driving growth and delivering business results. 

We recognize the importance of employee wellbeing. We prioritize providing competitive benefits plans, a variety of medical insurance plans, Employee Assistance Program, employee resource groups, recognition, and much more. Our culture offers flexible time off plans, including paid parental leave (maternal and paternal), vacation and holiday leave.