VP-Strategic Sourcing and Category Management

Methode is seeking a Vice President of Strategic Sourcing and Category Management to lead our sourcing and category management functions to drive procurement excellence across the organization. You will lead a team of sourcing professionals, develops strategic sourcing plans, optimizes supplier performance, and ensures compliance with procurement policies.

Methode Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: MEI) is a leading global supplier of custom-engineered solutions with sales, engineering and manufacturing locations in North America, Europe, Middle East, and Asia. We design, engineer, and produce mechatronic products for OEMs utilizing our broad range of technologies for user interface, LED lighting system, power distribution and sensor applications.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Sourcing and Procurement Planning:

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing plans across direct and indirect spend categories aligned to achieve organizational objectives.

• Identify and evaluate sourcing opportunities to drive cost savings, efficiency, and value creation.

• Lead cross-functional teams to execute sourcing strategies and initiatives.

Category Management:

• Develop and manage category management strategies for key spend categories.

• Analyze market trends and supplier capabilities to optimize category performance.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand business needs and align category strategies.

Supplier Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure reliable supply and high-quality service.

• Conduct supplier performance evaluations and implement improvement plans as needed.

• Negotiate contracts and long-term agreements to achieve favorable terms and conditions.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Lead, mentor, and manage the global team of sourcing and category management professionals.

• Set the tone in all interactions with trading partners, direct reports, and MEI employees on what good looks like.  Compliance and governance are non-negotiable when it comes to process adherence and system utilization, commercial interactions, and adherence to all EH&S policies and procedures at an individual level for all: contractors, visitors and employees across the sites.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and best practices.

• Set clear performance goals and provide regular feedback to team members.

• Assign tasks and responsibilities, monitor performance, and conduct performance reviews designed to foster a collaborative and results-driven work environment.

Cost Optimization and Value Creation:

• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives and process improvements.

• Drive value creation through innovative sourcing solutions and strategic partnerships.

• Monitor and report on cost savings, performance metrics, and sourcing activities.

Compliance and Risk Management:

• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, procedures, and regulations.

• Identify and mitigate risks associated with sourcing and supplier management.

• Develop and enforce ethical sourcing practices and standards.

Data Analysis, Reporting, and Governance:

• Establish policies and procedures to standardize and publish strategic sourcing and category management point of views.

• Utilize data analytics to track performance, identify trends, and prepare reports on sourcing and category metrics, supplier performance, and cost savings.

• Develop and manage the procurement budget, ensuring cost efficiency and value.

• Monitor expenditures against point of views, financial budgets and implement corrective actions as needed.

• Prepare and present category strategies and sourcing objective reports on sourcing activities to site, regional and senior leadership.

Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree required, Bachelor’s degree in Engineering preferred; MBA a plus

• 15+ years of related work experience with 5+ years sourcing and category management

• Experience in contract negotiations and managing supplier performance through the use of metrics and scorecards

• Strong financial acumen and analytical skills

• Excellent communicator both verbally and written

• Strong results orientation and self-starter

• Has demonstrated quantifiable improvement in supply chain management

• Track record of “getting things done” in project team setting