Category Manager

Littelfuse (NASDAQ: LFUS) is a diversified industrial technology manufacturing company shaping solutions for the safe and efficient transfer of electrical energy. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, USA, we serve customers across industrial, transportation, and electronics markets worldwide. With approximately 16,000 employees we design and manufacture innovative technologies that support electrification, energy efficiency, and advanced automation. Our global reach is matched by a culture that empowers innovation and long-term growth. Guided by our principles We Care, We Succeed With Our Customers, and We Own the Outcome, we work collaboratively, think boldly, and deliver solutions that move industries forward.

Reporting to the EII Sr. Category Manager. This role is designed as an individual contributor, candidate will take direct responsibility for categories such as Molding, Rubber, Resin, silver contacts, Fasteners, etc. Role has global category management responsibility for materials consumed at all EII facilities globally. Key responsibilities include: management of category, setting category strategy, maintaining AVL, lead sourcing, commercial negotiation, RFQ, supplier management, Multisource, rebalancing, consolidation, Cost models and supporting special initiatives as necessary. Collaboration and networking with other category managers and other regions are key for the role, this role will need to support supplier development and negotiations from other global categories within the region you are based.

About the Job

• Manage category strategy and work with cross-functional team to implement strategy on different product lines, consolidate and renationalize our global supplier base, transfer more spend/allocation to strategic suppliers;
• Manage suppliers in cost, quality, delivery and service to ensure the competitiveness of Littelfuse (including price and commercial terms negotiation), regular business review with strategic suppliers, drive actions for poor performance suppliers
• Develop and execute annual cost reduction plan (including VeVa projects, CoS and negotiation) to achieve annual cost reduction targets with cost model implementation, work with engineering team to implement cost saving projects on time; negotiate payment term to ensure competitive DPO
• Collaborate with other Category managers on the other regions and support and/or lead negotiations, find new suppliers and help developed other sources within your region.
• Monitor industry trends, rules, performance, market conditions; collection of market, competitors’ status and information analysis. Work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver the market intelligence, industry insight;

About You

• 10+ years of experience in procurement, especially focused on category management.
• 10+ years experience with manufactured products (industrial end markets experience preferred). Experienced developing strong, mutually beneficial relationships with key stakeholders.
• Ability to analyze and interpret multiple sets of data and work out concise, insightful analysis.
• Skilled in sourcing process, contracting and negotiation.
• Ability to think deeply when analyzing the data and presenting the result.
• Experience setting category strategy and applying strategy setting models such as Porters 5 forces, SWOT analysis, AT Kearney Chessboard, etc.
• Ability to interact and engage with peers with good communication skills.
• Able to work independently and under pressure as well as be a strong team player, always seeking to improve team and organizational performance.
• Self-management skills and self-started attitude highly valued.
• English communication, both verbal and written is a must.
• Proficiency with Excel, PowerPoint, etc. Strong communication skill, rich project management skill. Cost modeling knowledge.

At Littelfuse, we support employee growth and development. Guided by our culture principles, our teams work together to deliver value for customers and make a positive impact in the communities where we operate. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to grow and contribute. We offer competitive compensation and benefits, performance-based incentives, flexible work arrangements, and development opportunities.

About Us

Our humble roots date back to 1927, where, in the back of a garage on Chicago’s northside, our founder, Edward Sundt, developed a small, fast-acting, protective fuse for use in sensitive test meters. Sundt wanted to call his new company producing these small fuses, “Little Fuse,” but wasn’t allowed to trademark two such common words. So, instead he went with the one-word, misspelled “Littelfuse.”

For more than 95 years, Littelfuse has pioneered innovative products that help empower a sustainable, connected, and safer world. With the ever-evolving electrification and electronification of customer applications, our product technologies are closely linked to sustainable applications such as electric vehicles and EV charging infrastructure, renewable energy and energy storage, factory automation, power management and more.

Throughout our history, our people have been the foundation of our success — and that remains true today. Now more than ever, our bright and talented people are a strategic advantage for the company. From the production line to the engineering lab, the office or distribution center, Littelfuse people are an important part of a diverse, talented team of the best and brightest in the industry. While Littelfuse has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, we still maintain a small-company, entrepreneurial approach where your efforts will drive our culture, our business, and the overall success of the organization. No matter where you work or what you do, your contributions will make a difference at Littelfuse — everywhere, every day.

Littelfuse is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, and/or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.