Senior Category Specialist - New Product Introduction

About the role

Pierce Manufacturing is seeking a Senior Category Specialist to support specialty truck manufacturing programs. This role functions as a working project leader responsible for ensuring supply chain readiness for new product launches, with a focus on cost, timing, and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Lead supply chain readiness activities for NPI and product launch programs.
• Serve as project lead for supply chain deliverables across assigned vehicle or product programs.
• Partner with Category Leaders to execute sourcing strategies aligned with cost, timing, and technical requirements.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Finance, Sales, and Materials.
• Track supply chain milestones to ensure alignment with program schedules and launch targets.
• Provide monthly leadership updates on program status, risks, milestones, and mitigation actions.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks impacting cost, quality, or timing.
• Support sourcing execution, including supplier selection support and RFx coordination.
• Assess supplier capability, capacity, and readiness for new product launches.
• Manage escalation and resolution of supplier-related risks and constraints.
• Support pricing validation and total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis with Category Leaders.
• Interpret engineering drawings and technical requirements to support sourcing decisions.
• Maintain part and program-level data integrity and taxonomy.
• Support supplier engagement activities including onboarding and launch readiness reviews.
• Ensure alignment between program budgets, sourcing decisions, and execution plans.
• Lead supply chain workstreams from concept through production launch.
• Participate in governance meetings and cross-functional launch reviews.

Qualifications

The minimum qualifications for this role include a Bachelor’s degree and five (5) or more years of experience in Supply Chain Management or a related field. Alternatively, an equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.

Standout qualifications include category strategy experience within the manufacturing industry, effective communication skills, ability to work in a team environment, strong organizational skills, and experience with various web-based software applications.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $92,600.00 - $154,400.00, which reflects the minimum and maximum target pay for the position across all U.S. locations. Individual pay is determined by various factors, including the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, education, and skills, as well as the equity of pay among team members in similar positions.