Category Manager

About the role

Overall Scope: A Category Manager executes a business strategy that delivers value through total cost of ownership solutions and helps ensure that Dover Fueling Solutions (DFS) has a reliable supply chain. This is accomplished by managing risks and costs through leveraging DFS and Dover’s requirements worldwide. This is a full‑time on‑site role responsible for day‑to‑day tasks such as category management, analytical skills application, contract negotiation, procurement, and sales activities. The role coordinates with engineering, manufacturing, and operations to add value and satisfy both internal and external customers.

Responsibilities

• Serve internal customers (Operations, Engineering, Finance, Sales, and End Customers) and assure cost‑competitive continuity of supply for existing parts and services as well as new product development and introduction.
• Develop, negotiate, and administer contracts for key suppliers; manage the supplier base.
• Develop commodity strategies based on DFS volumes, Dover volumes, or volumes of future acquisitions.
• Identify areas of risk within the supply chain and implement appropriate mitigation measures.
• Maintain knowledge of market and industry trends within the area of expertise and communicate potential business impact.
• Monitor changes affecting supply and demand; track market conditions, price trends, and futures markets.
• Monitor supplier market characteristics regularly; identify and capitalize on opportunities resulting from market shifts.
• Work with all functions and users to ensure internal customer needs are met.
• Manage supplier performance (quality, delivery, total cost).
• Maintain overall supplier relationships and establish annual cost‑out, quality, and on‑time delivery targets with key suppliers.
• Provide regular performance feedback to suppliers, conduct quality business reviews (QBRs), and drive corrective actions as required.
• Enforce terms and conditions of purchase orders and other agreements, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and company policy.
• Ensure parts are set up properly in the ERP system, including supplier master data.
• Resolve non‑conformance issues, back‑charges, and claims promptly to minimize company exposure.
• Develop supplier spending reports to identify targeted improvements and leverage value for the company.
• Seek opportunities to expand diverse supplier spend.
• Lead continuous improvement events with suppliers to improve total cost of ownership.
• Manage cost and assets (cost, productivity, inventory).
• Implement sourcing design changes to improve reliability in operations and reduce costs.
• Work with operations and business teams to design optimal source points and shipping arrangements.
• Operate daily to meet reliability objectives for customer supply.
• Collaborate with the Operations team to maximize value across the supply chain and drive a culture of continual improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain, or Business.
• 5+ years of experience in strategic sourcing or procurement roles.
• Deep technical knowledge of plastic injection molding and castings.
• Proven track record of leading complex, multi‑million‑dollar contract negotiations.
• Expertise in cost modeling (Should‑Cost analysis) for molded and cast parts.
• Strong understanding of tooling design, manufacturing processes, and lead times.
• Ability to analyze supplier financial information and capability.
• Knowledge of the fueling industry and EV trends.
• Ability to travel both locally and globally, up to 25% of the time.
• Ability to sit for extended periods (e.g., long international flights).

Skills

• Strong problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication.
• Influencing skills (preferred).
• Proficiency with MS Office – Excel, PowerPoint, Word.
• Access to best industry practices, industry trends, and supply/demand knowledge with a thorough understanding of products.