Regional Category Manager, Machines & Strategic Components

About the role

The successful candidate will lead sourcing activities for elevator machines and critical strategic components across the NAA region. This includes (but is not limited to) traction machines, motors, encoders, ropes, belts, sheaves, terminations, and associated mechanical subsystems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deploy the global category strategy in alignment with the Global Category team and the NAA Supply Chain Business Partner.
• Full oversight of regional supplier selection, contract execution, supplier performance management (including Supplier Premier program), and cost optimization initiatives.
• Achieve ambitious productivity, quality, and supply assurance goals while managing risks in a highly technical and strategic supply base.
• Provide operational support to NAA manufacturing and field sites for all machine and strategic component needs.
• Monitor supplier On-Time Delivery (OTD) and drive corrective actions to maintain supply continuity for safety-critical components.
• Ensure timely and accurate price updates in procurement systems in coordination with sourcing, finance, and local buyers.
• Enforce strict adherence to Otis procurement processes and governance (contracts, PO compliance, sourcing policies).
• Serve as the key escalation point for supply-critical incidents, coordinating with suppliers and internal teams to ensure rapid resolution.
• Manage the full supplier base for machines and strategic components, ensuring competitiveness, performance, and innovation.
• Conduct supplier business reviews and implement continuous improvement plans (cost, quality, delivery, sustainability).
• Negotiate contracts, prices, and terms using data-driven models, including should-cost analysis for motors, machining, forging, winding, and rope/belt construction.
• Drive standardization, consolidation opportunities, and long-term risk mitigation strategies in compliance with Otis policies.
• Ensure rigorous Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) management across component lifecycles.
• Collaborate with Engineering to align technical specifications, qualification requirements, and lifecycle strategies for machines, encoders, ropes, belts, and traction components.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) and transitions related to new machine technologies, materials, and safety-regulated components.
• Partner with Quality and Operations to resolve complex technical or performance issues and drive supplier development.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or purchasing; Masters preferred
• 8+ years in procurement, category management, and team leadership
• Robust technical understanding of mechanical and electromechanical components, with experience in motors, ropes, or rotating machinery being highly advantageous
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills
• Proficient in Excel, procurement systems (JD Edwards, SAP, EDI), and cost modeling
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; multicultural experience
• Able to travel up to 20% within the NAA region

Qualifications

• Authorization to work in the U.S. now and in the future without sponsorship

Skills

• Strategic thinking
• Supplier management
• Cost optimization
• Technical expertise
• Collaboration
• Performance management

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with a generous company match and an automatic retirement contribution
• Comprehensive medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage
• Three weeks of paid vacation, along with paid company holidays
• Paid sick leave, employee assistance, and wellness incentive programs
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Voluntary benefits, including options for legal, pet, home, and auto insurance
• Birth/adoption and parental leave benefits
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Spot performance bonus opportunities

Pay

Details on pay structure not specified.

Schedule

Details on schedule not specified.