Job Description

Job Description

The Category Manager for Mechanical Fabrication is responsible for setting strategic direction for the defined product technology and supply base.  This role will lead a team of Supplier Development Engineers and Continuous Improvment subject matter experts and has Sector level responsibility in deploying strategies toward optimizing supply base cost, quality, and delivery.  Must support overall business goals by analyzing market trends, supplier capabilities, and program expectations to achieve best in class category performance.

Key Leadership & Oversight Categories:

• Market Intelligence:
  Conduct thorough research on technical market trends, supply base landscape, and emerging technologies to identify potential opportunities and risks within the assigned category. 
• Supplier Relationship Management:
  Develop and manage relationships with key suppliers, oversee contract negotiations, delivery performance, and quality standards to ensure optimal value proposition. 
• Approved and Preferred Supplier Governance:
  Evaluate and maintain supplier listing based on performance, capability, cost, and customer requirements, working closely with engineering and program teams to ensure specifications are met. 
• Cost Optimization:
  Analyze spending patterns, identify cost reduction opportunities, and implement strategies to optimize procurement costs within the Mechanical Fabrication category. 
• Technical Expertise:
  Maintain team structure that ensures in-depth knowledge of technical product features, functionality, and industry standards to effectively evaluate supplier offerings and make informed decisions. 
• Category Strategy Development:
  Create and execute a strategic category plan aligned with overall business objectives, including Supplier Relationship Management, commercial strategy, performance metrics, supply chain resilience, and prioritized key strategic actions.
• Data Analysis:
  Utilize data analytics tools to monitor category performance, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions regarding supplier performance, supplier ratings, resource deployment, and supplier development plans.  
• Stakeholder Management:
  Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as engineering, programs, procurement, quality, and operations to ensure alignment on requirements and category strategy. 
• Innovation:
  Identify and implement innovative solutions to enhance supply base offerings and meet evolving customer needs. 

Typical Education and Experience

Typically a Bachelor's Degree and 10 years work experience or equivalent experience

Required Skills and Education

Required Skills:

• Ability to effectively engage with supplier executive leadership to drive alignment of strategies to support long-term category growth.
• Ability to self-initiate category objectives as business requirements change.
• Ability to influence stakeholder alignment to drive execution of category strategy.​​​​​​​
• Technical Leadership:
  Ability to provide direction and leadership to a technical staff 
• Procurement Expertise:
  Experience in sourcing strategies, contract negotiation, and supplier management. 
• Analytical Skills:
  Ability to interpret complex data, perform cost-benefit analysis, and generate actionable insights. 
• Project Management:
  Proven ability to manage complex projects involving technical procurement and implementation. 
• Communication Skills:
  Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and present technical, market, and business information to stakeholders. 

Preferred Skills and Education

Bachelor's Degree in technical, business, or supply chain discipline
7+ Years of experience in Mechanical Fabrication manufacturing, supply chain management, and/or quality. 

About BAE Systems, Inc.

BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.

Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.