Sr. Category Manager - Mechanical

About the role

nLIGHT is a leading provider of high-power semiconductors and fiber lasers for industrial, microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications. The Senior Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for critical direct material and technology for precision mechanical categories.

Responsibilities

• Develops and executes category and supplier strategies aligned with business priorities, product roadmaps, technology requirements, and manufacturing needs.
• Shapes the supplier portfolio across assigned categories through supplier segmentation, capability coverage, and sourcing strategy to support qualification plans and reduce sole-source or single-source dependency where feasible.
• Drives supplier performance through scorecards, Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs), and corrective actions to improve quality, delivery, responsiveness, and capacity alignment.
• Negotiates supplier agreements and commercial terms, including pricing, lead time, capacity, inventory strategies, technology partnerships, risk-sharing frameworks and other provisions that support cost competitiveness and continuity of supply.
• Partners with Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Program teams on supplier selection, make/buy decisions, qualification activities, and sourcing strategies for new and sustaining products.
• Monitors market conditions, regulatory developments, and geopolitical risks to proactively identify supply constraints and protect continuity for critical programs and production needs.
• Identifies and mitigates supplier concentration, capacity, and single-source risks through alternate sourcing, recovery planning, and continuity actions, as appropriate.
• Ensures sourcing activities comply with applicable regulations, contractual requirements, and internal purchasing policies.
• Drives improvements in sourcing processes, tools, and analytics to increase visibility, strengthen execution, and support better business decisions.
• Serves as a trusted subject matter expert by providing guidance and support that strengthens sourcing discipline and cross-functional execution.
• Communicates sourcing strategies, risks, and recommendations clearly to leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline; typically 8+ years of experience in category management, strategic sourcing, supply chain, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience developing category strategies and managing supplier relationships in a manufacturing, technology, or regulated environment.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating supplier agreements and commercial terms.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Familiarity with government contracting, trade compliance, or regulated industry requirements, including FAR, DFARS, ITAR, or EAR, is preferred.
• Experience leading sourcing, supplier performance, or process improvement initiatives.
• Proficiency in ERP systems, Microsoft Excel, and other sourcing or analytics tools.
• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders, manage competing priorities, and deliver results in a cross-functional environment.

Strongly preferred: Experience with sourcing and technical challenges for categories such as CNC machined components, tight-tolerance metal parts, complex multi-axis machined parts, precision housings, mounts, brackets, fixtures, heat sinks, Cold Plates, manifolds, etc.

Benefits

• Comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including a salary range of $95,000 - $123,000 annually.
• Target Cash Bonus of 5% of earned wages.
• Eligible for Restricted Stock Unit grants.
• 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year.
• 10 paid Holidays.
• Eligible for health benefits on the 1st day of the month after your start date, including Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits, with employee-paid premiums as low as $40.00 per pay period.
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting.
• Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life & AD&D Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Aflac Supplemental Insurance.
• Paid Bereavement Leave and Jury Duty.
• Tuition Assistance Program.
• Pet Insurance.