About this opportunity
Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions is looking for a Senior Strategic Category Manager to be responsible for managing strategic component suppliers, finished good suppliers, and other R&D direct spend suppliers. This role will be responsible for managing costs, contracts, relationships, and roadmaps for assigned ODM/JDM/CM's, electronic/electro-mechanical/mechanical categories, and/or R&D direct spend categories, such as regulatory, embedded product SW, etc. In this role, the individual will lead sourcing and selection activities in partnership with our R&D team. It will be critical for the individual in this role to develop close collaboration with Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Program Management, Technical Operations, and other cross-functional teams. This role requires a proactive individual who can think strategically and drive value through sourcing activities based on the overall company goals and strategy. During the product development process, you are responsible for identifying key technologies and partners as well as negotiating agreements. It is the Senior Strategic Category Manager's primary objective to ensure suppliers meet or exceed commercial and technical requirements throughout the life cycle of the product(s).
What you will do
Cost
Negotiate and manage the cost of strategic SKUs, components, and R&D technical solutions as determined by Strategic Sourcing and R&D
Develop negotiation scripts and proposals
Study cost trends and latest events that may impact cost of assigned categories and prepare strategies to mitigate and manage
Project manage Value Analysis/Value Engineering projects in partnership with R&D and Procurement Engineering
Build savings pipelines and strategies to support ongoing cost reduction and margin improvement
Contracts
Negotiate Master Agreements, Pricing Agreements, Statements of Work, and/or other agreements as needed with strategic suppliers
Manage supplier performance according to mutually agreed contracts. Enable and train cross-functional stakeholders how to leverage the contract in their spheres of responsibility
Develop supplier contract strategies that optimize commercial value while mitigating liability and downside
Relationships
Lead preparation for supplier business reviews with strategic suppliers
Develop strong, mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers in assigned categories. Hold suppliers accountable to commitments and agreements
Provide transparent and helpful feedback to suppliers in assigned categories to progress the strategic relationship and create leverage
Partner with product teams to successfully transition from Engineering prototyping to design validation, and into mass production
Create leverage with suppliers where leverage may not naturally exist
Proactively build and manage relationships with cross-functional stakeholders working in a remote environment
Roadmaps
Develop strategic roadmaps for suppliers in assigned categories that include cost trends and management, key relationship maps, risk management (i.e. cost, people, continuity of supply, quality, etc.), spend analysis, etc.
Partner with R&D to align strategic supplier roadmaps with product roadmaps to ensure supplier selection keeps or exceeds pace with technology and product roadmaps
Proactively develop category strategies with key stakeholders that drive innovation, commercial leverage, and technical support
Manage the life cycle of key components and solutions, including EOL plans from the OEM, last-time-buy decisions in partnership with Inventory Planning, and longevity strategies for new product development
New Product Introduction
Partner with R&D on New Product Development to identify technically and commercially strategic components, solutions, and suppliers to meet our product objectives
Manage component supplier performance through the NPI process and leverage supplier performance to improve commercials and behavior
Ensure key suppliers are through our Company contract and TPM process, as needed
The skills you bring
Seven to ten (7-10) years of experience in a sourcing, procurement, supply chain, product development, and/or project management role, within the electronic manufacturing industry
Supply chain experience managing cross functional teams and projects (i.e. alternative component qualification, cost reduction, etc.) in an electronics product company
Familiarity with world-class sourcing methods and tools
Knowledge of and experience with New Product Development in manufacturing (CM, OEM, ODM, or JDM)
Experience negotiating supplier agreements (i.e. Pricing Agreements, Master Agreements, Statement of Work, etc.)
Experience sourcing R&D software solutions that are embedded into products sold to customers
Ability to be innovative in issues related to strategic sourcing, vendor relations, quality assurance and the associated measurement systems
Strong analytical skills (i.e. cost modeling, quotation analysis, supplier selection)
High level of accountability, ownership, and ability to work with minimal supervision and guidance
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations, Supply Chain Management, Engineering
Fluent in Mandarin language
Technical experience or education (i.e. mechanical or electrical engineering)
Application deadline: January 15, 2025
Why join Ericsson?
At Ericsson, youll have an outstanding opportunity. The chance to use your skills and imagination to push the boundaries of whats possible. To build solutions never seen before to some of the world's toughest problems. Youll be challenged, but you won't be alone. Youll be joining a team of diverse innovators, all driven to go beyond the status quo to craft what comes next.
What happens once you apply?
Click Here to find all you need to know about what our typical hiring process looks like.
Encouraging a diverse and inclusive organization is core to our values at Ericsson, thats why we champion it in everything we do. We truly believe that by collaborating with people with different experiences we drive innovation, which is essential for our future growth. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply and realize their full potential as part of our Ericsson team. Ericsson is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, learn more.
If you need assistance or to request an accommodation due to a disability, please contact Ericsson at hr.direct.mana@ericsson.com.
DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this position. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for this position, and you may be required to perform additional job tasks as assigned.
Primary country and city: United States (US) || Boise (ID)
Job details: Component Engineer
Compensation and Benefits at Ericsson
At Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions, we know that our people are the key to our success. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package to help with your individual needs and goals.
Your Pay
The salary range for this position is listed below. The actual salary offered is dependent on various factors including, but not limited to, location, the candidate's combination of job-related knowledge, qualifications, skills, education, training, and experience.
* $121,400 - $182,000
Your Health
Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions offers excellent, competitive employee benefits, such as: subsidized, nationwide PPO medical benefit options including a low-deductible Point of Service Plan and a qualifying High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), with a generous company-provided HSA contribution. For California employees, we offer a subsidized HMO option through Kaiser. Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions also offers subsidized dental and vision coverage.
Your Financial Security
We invest in both your short and long-term financial wellbeing. Our 401(k) plan has a 4% company match and immediate vesting. Employees will also receive company-paid employee basic life and AD&D insurance and company-paid disability benefits.
Your Time
Your work-life balance is important to us. New employees are provided up to 40 days of paid time off per year, including 15 days of accrued annual vacation, 3 personal days, 7 paid holidays, 4 floating holidays, 10 sick days, and 1 volunteer day. Please note paid time off is pro-rated based on the employee's start date.
Additional Benefits
Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions offers other company-paid benefits such as a comprehensive Employee Assistance Program, Talkspace mobile therapy, and volunteer paid time off.
