Franklin Electric

Manufactures water, fuel, electricity distribution systems

Global Category Manager - Electronics

Procurement & SourcingConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeFort Wayne, IN, USANo salary listedIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

Ability to analyze complex information, evaluate results, 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.
Strong experience in contract management, including complex contract and Master Supply Agreement negotiation.
Exceptional analytical, data, and risk-management skills, including prediction, identification, and mitigation of supply risk.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without direct authority at the executive level.
Seven to ten years of relevant category management or strategic sourcing experience, with a significant portion in electronics or electrical components.
A bachelor's degree in business, engineering, supply chain, or an equivalent qualification.
Functional understanding of JDE or enterprise resource planning systems, supply chain, logistics, warehousing, distribution, importing, exporting, and shipping.
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Access, with Power BI for spend analytics and dashboards.

Responsibilities

Serve as the subject-matter expert on electronics-category factors, including product knowledge, applications and usage, processing knowledge, cost structure, global market dynamics, supplier capabilities, supplier market share, and supplier benchmarking.
Develop and execute multi-year global category strategies and playbooks for electronic components, balancing cost, innovation, quality, and supply continuity.
Use contract negotiation, process changes, and sustainable cost controls, collaborating with Finance to validate project impacts and drive stakeholder approval.
Draft, negotiate, and execute supplier contracts and Master Supply Agreements, managing terms, liability, tooling, and pricing mechanisms.
Manage semiconductor allocation, component lifecycle activities such as end-of-life and product-change notifications, obsolescence, and supply-shortage mitigation to protect production continuity.
Use strategic sourcing tools to conduct spend analysis, maintain should-cost and cost models by supplier and category, and communicate supplier performance, technology trends, and market conditions.
Manage, develop, and maintain business relationships with suppliers and Electronic Manufacturing Service partners, including supplier segmentation and relationship management.
Manage and implement electronics-category strategies and goals supporting quality, cost, payment terms, and supplier development objectives.
Lead supplier quality, delivery, cost, and performance management, driving corrective actions and continuous improvement using PPM, OTD, and 8D measures.
Support New Product Introduction and new supplier introduction with early supplier involvement, design-to-cost, and value-analysis/value-engineering initiatives in partnership with Engineering.
Drive regionalization/localization strategies and dual sourcing to reduce risk and total cost of ownership across the Americas, EMEA, APAC, and India.
Present proposals, recommendations, and category metrics to senior leadership.
Mentor and provide guidance to junior category managers and sourcing specialists and may act as team lead for the electronics category.
Apply the 7-Step Strategic Sourcing methodology or other recognized strategic sourcing methodologies.

Desired Qualifications

Deep understanding of electronic components, printed circuit board and printed circuit board assembly manufacturing, semiconductor markets, and Electronic Manufacturing Service supply chains.
An MBA or advanced degree.
Professional certification such as C.P.M., CPSM, or CPM.

Embark on a career journey with Franklin Electric, where your passion meets purpose, and every day is an opportunity to make a difference in our global communities in providing access to water, fuel and electricity.

The Global Category Manager - Electronics provides strategic leadership for the global Electronics category portfolio, guiding sourcing and supplier management activities that support business objectives and operational needs. This role is responsible for developing and executing category strategies, fostering strong supplier partnerships, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive value, innovation, and supply continuity across the organization. The Global Category Manager monitors market dynamics, industry trends, and emerging technologies to support informed decision-making and a resilient supply base. As a key leader within the procurement organization, this position provides category expertise, influences strategic initiatives, and helps strengthen capabilities across the broader sourcing team.

Franklin Electric is a diverse team of innovators making a positive global impact since 1944. We offer innovative water solutions, ensuring access, treatment, and efficient management of this vital resource. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our innovative products, industry leading quality products, exceptional customer service, employee development, and passion for social responsibility.

Join us to create a better future while growing professionally in a supportive environment!

What you will be doing:

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.

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.

What you need:

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

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.

About the Company

Franklin Electric

Manufactures water, fuel, electricity distribution systems

Franklin Electric designs and distributes systems that move and manage water, fuel, and electricity. It offers motors, pumps, drives, controls, and related equipment, provided as integrated hardware and sub-systems used in water supply, fuel delivery, and electrical applications. The company supports customers with a global network of facilities and service centers to supply components and full system solutions that drive efficient liquid and power movement. Its goal is to be a global leader in moving and managing water, fuel, and electricity by offering dependable products, broad product coverage, and worldwide service.

Company size: 1,001-5,000
Company stage: IPO
Headquarters: Fort Wayne, IN
Founded: 1944

Recently Posted Jobs

Explore more opportunities at Franklin Electric

See more jobs