Strategic Sourcing Category Manager

Dometic is a global market leader in the mobile living industry, providing high-end products for recreational vehicles, commercial passenger vehicles, and overlanding vehicles in North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

About the role

This position reports to the Director of Procurement & Sourcing and is based in Elkhart, IN. The Strategic Sourcing Category Manager – Direct Material is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, and achieving cost reductions while meeting Dometic’s quality, technology, and cost standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute robust sourcing and supply strategies for direct materials (metals, plastics, raw materials, rubber, electronics, traded products, and contract manufacturing) in the mobile living industry.
• Scout and develop domestic and global suppliers, focusing on Best Cost Country Sourcing to maximize Total Landed Cost.
• Evaluate make vs. buy scenarios, synergies with the existing supply base, and develop non-traditional sources.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal cross-functional teams on supply issues, quality assurance, part launches, engineering changes, product transfers, resourcing, capacity planning, and forecasting challenges.
• Lead strategic initiatives such as continuous cost reduction, new technology introduction, advanced developments, and strategic alliances.
• Negotiate and achieve year-over-year cost reductions using tools like VA/VE, should-cost analysis, product cost teardowns, supplier audits, cost reduction workshops, and market intelligence.
• Manage annual/multi-year supply agreements, including contractual terms, total cost (logistics, MOQ, lead times), stocking agreements, payment terms, warranty terms, tooling costs, and quality metrics.
• Negotiate commercial issues such as price increases and articulate contractual and legal terms.
• Identify, qualify, and manage new suppliers, including financial and business case analysis, and institute Supplier Scorecard processes.
• Interface with regional and global procurement teams for supplier evaluations, cost leverage, technology advancement, and supplier responsiveness.
• Recommend suppliers that meet Dometic’s standards for new product development and support launches.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, or Engineering (Master’s degree is a plus).
• Minimum 8-10 years of experience in Sourcing, Purchasing, or Procurement.
• Proven experience sourcing direct material components (metals, plastics, raw materials, rubber, electronics, traded products) and contract manufacturing.
• Proficiency in Excel BI (pivot tables, formulas, reports), Word, PowerPoint, Power BI, and AI utilization.
• High mobility with 30% domestic travel (including overseas trips for 1-2 weeks, up to twice a year).
• Experience in overseas supplier development, particularly in low-cost regions, is preferred.

Skills

• Familiarity with and motivation for the commercial side of business.
• In-depth knowledge of purchasing/sourcing and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, problem-solving, and experience in business case and financial analysis.
• Project management skills and a passion for implementation.
• Forward-thinking and strategic mindset.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Disability insurance (STD/LTD).
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and company-defined holidays, plus two floating holidays.
• Paid maternity/paternity leave.
• Tuition assistance.
• Membership reimbursement (wholesale club and gym).
• Employee discounts on Dometic products.

Schedule

Dometic operates with a 4+1 policy: 4 days per week in the office and 1 day per week remotely.