Global Category Manager - Indirect & Subcontractor Operations

Job Purpose

The Global Category Manager (GCM) – Indirect & Subcontractor Operations owns the end-to-end sourcing strategy, supplier relationships, and commercial frameworks for VulcanForms' indirect spend and subcontracted services. This includes IT, professional services, MRO, office/facilities consumables, HR services, marketing, T&E, and ongoing replenishment of spares and consumables across all production pillars. Reporting to the VP of Supply Chain, the GCM partners closely with functional leaders across the business to deliver cost efficiency, supplier quality, and supply continuity at scale.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and continuously develop the multi-year category strategy for all indirect spend categories: IT (hardware, software, telecom, cybersecurity), professional services (legal, consulting, audit, recruiting), MRO, facilities consumables, marketing, and T&E.
• Lead sourcing and commercial negotiations for strategic indirect suppliers and subcontractors, including master service agreements, pricing frameworks, SLAs, and renewal terms.
• Manage ongoing replenishment of spares and consumables across all production pillars, executing within supplier frameworks established by pillar GCMs at the point of equipment purchase.
• Build and maintain a preferred supplier panel for subcontracted services; qualify new providers and manage performance against cost, quality, and delivery KPIs.
• Develop and maintain should-cost models and total cost of ownership (TCO) analyses across managed categories to drive savings and challenge incumbent pricing.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate supply risk across indirect categories; maintain category risk registers and execute continuity plans.
• Partner with Finance, Legal, IT, HR, and Operations stakeholders to align category strategies with business priorities and budget cycles.
• Establish procurement policies, supplier codes of conduct, and sourcing playbooks for indirect categories.
• Define and deliver an annual savings roadmap; report progress and category health metrics to VP Supply Chain and executive leadership.
• Scope, onboard, and develop category specialist support as the indirect category team grows.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; MBA or advanced degree in Supply Chain, Business, or a related field preferred.
• 6+ years of progressive procurement or supply chain experience, with at least 4 years managing indirect or subcontractor categories.
• Demonstrated track record of developing and executing multi-year category strategies across complex, cross-functional indirect spend portfolios.
• Experience leading high-value commercial negotiations with professional services, IT, or MRO suppliers.
• Strong financial acumen including should-cost modeling, TCO analysis, and savings tracking.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and build trusted partnerships with functional leaders across a matrixed organization.
• Exceptional communication and executive presentation skills.
• Comfort operating in an ambiguous, fast-paced environment with limited administrative support.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a high-growth manufacturing, defense, or advanced technology environment.
• Familiarity with ERP systems (Epicor, SAP, or similar) and spend analytics platforms.
• Prior experience building or formalizing an indirect procurement function from early-stage.
• CPSM, CPM, or equivalent professional certification.
• Experience managing IT software and SaaS vendor agreements in a manufacturing context.
• Exposure to ITAR-regulated or government-contract supply chains.

Pay and benefits

VulcanForms offers a competitive salary and equity package. Actual compensation is based on factors such as the candidate's skills, qualifications, and experience. In addition, VulcanForms provides comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; generous paid time off; and a 401(k) plan with company match.

The annual base salary range for this position is $ 1 13,000 to $156,000.

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