Strategic Category Manager

Strategic Category Manager

The Strategic Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for key electronic, electro-mechanical, and mechanical categories, in close collaboration with engineering, that support the design and manufacturing of Land Mobile Radio (LMR) products. This role plays a critical part in supplier selection, cost management, risk mitigation, and long-term category planning. The ideal candidate brings strong technical knowledgepreferably in electronics, RF systems, or related engineering disciplinespaired with expertise in global sourcing, supplier negotiations, and supply chain optimization. The Strategic Category Manager partners closely with engineering, operations, quality, and program management to ensure robust supply continuity for both new product development (NPD) and ongoing production.

Key Responsibilities

A) Category Strategy & Supplier Management

Develop and implement category strategies for electronic components, RF modules, PCBs, mechanical assemblies, plastics, and contract manufacturing services.

Identify, evaluate, qualify, and manage suppliers to ensure capability, capacity, quality, and alignment with company requirements.

Lead supplier evaluations, audits, performance reviews, and long-term development plans.

Establish and manage multi-year commodity roadmaps, including cost models, should-cost analyses, and competitive benchmarks.

B) Sourcing & Contracting

Drive RFQs, lead negotiations, and secure contracts for pricing, supply, terms, warranties, and strategic agreements.

Collaborate with legal and compliance teams on contract terms, NDAs, and long-term supply agreements.

Manage supplier risk by monitoring market trends, geopolitical factors, component obsolescence, and semiconductor industry dynamics.

C) Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with engineering and NPD teams to support component selection, AVL development, Lifecycle management, and early supplier involvement.

Coordinate with operations and planning teams on production needs, demand changes, and lead-time optimizations.

Work with quality teams on supplier corrective actions, PPAPs, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Support cost-reduction activities, value-engineering projects, and DFM feedback loops for product designs.

D) Cost, Inventory & Performance Management

Drive cost-savings initiatives through negotiation, VA/VE projects, and supply base optimization.

Monitor and improve key metrics such as on-time delivery, PPV, quality, lead time, supply assurance, and total cost of ownership.

Collaborate with planning to ensure healthy inventory levels, buffer strategies, and supply continuity for build plans.

Analyze category-level data, market forecasts, and product lifecycle impacts to support executive decision-making.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, Systems Engineering) or a related technical field; Master's degree or Supply Chain certification (CSCP, CPSM) a plus.
• 7+ years of sourcing, category management, procurement, or supply chain experience in electronics manufacturing, OEM, EMS, or RF industries.
• Strong understanding of electronic components (active, passive, RF), PCBs, EMS/contract manufacturing, and LMR or communication systems.
• Proven experience in supplier negotiations, contract development, and global sourcing strategies.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and data-driven analysis.
• Excellent communication, project management, and cross-functional leadership skills.

Core Competencies

• Technical Acumen Comfortable reading drawings, understanding BOMs, and engaging with engineering on technical decisions.
• Strategic Mindset Builds long-term sourcing strategies and supplier roadmaps.
• Negotiation Expertise Skilled at achieving cost, quality, and delivery objectives.
• Risk Mitigation Focus Anticipates/Manages market volatility, shortages, and supply continuity risks.
• Analytical Strength Data-oriented approach to cost modeling, forecasting, and supplier analysis.
• Collaboration & Influence Works effectively with engineering, operations, and suppliers.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Work performed primarily in an office environment with occasional visits to production areas, suppliers, and contract manufacturers.
• Typical physical activities: sitting, walking, light lifting, computer use, and communication.
• May require travel to supplier sites, including domestic and occasional international trips.

BK Technologies Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, color, religious creed, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, and/or protected veteran status.

The Equal Opportunity Clause of 41 CFR 60-1.4 and the affirmative action clauses of 41 CFR 60-741.4 are hereby incorporated by reference as though fully set out herein.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a).