Category Manager

About the position

Epirus is a high-growth technology company dedicated to overcoming the asymmetric challenges inherent to the future of national security. Epirus' flagship product, Leonidas, is a software-defined system built using intelligent power management techniques which allow power-hungry systems to do more with less. The Category Manager will lead sourcing for machined parts, fabrication, additive manufacturing, and electromechanical assemblies. This role drives strategic supplier vision, implements long-term supplier strategies, and excels in negotiation and relationship management. Responsible for source selection from proposal through NPI, LRIP, and full-rate production, ensuring scalability and success. The Category Manager will collaborate with Contracts, Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance, and Operations to develop specifications, statements of work, and negotiation terms and conditions for the procurement of specialized materials, equipment, and/or services by preparing bid packages, ensuring competition, negotiating key provisions, making award decisions, and setting up procurement for success.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for machined parts, maintaining relationships with strategic suppliers and identifying new partners as needed.
• Align commodity strategies with stakeholders across engineering, technical operations, and program teams to meet business and technical requirements.
• Lead RFIs, RFPs, and RFQs, assess supplier capabilities, and ensure scalability to support current and future demands.
• Negotiate supply, development, licensing, and service agreements while managing supplier risks, performance, and capacity planning.
• Develop cost models, drive negotiations using TCO principles, and leverage market insights to secure optimal pricing.
• Maintain supplier scorecards, conduct quarterly business reviews, and support purchasing teams in resolving supply and quality issues.
• Establish accurate forecasting mechanisms to communicate capacity requirements for sustaining and new products.
• Identify supplier capability gaps, implement risk mitigation strategies, and enhance supplier relationships through ongoing engagement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or Operations Management or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 8 years of supply chain experience in a fast-paced, highly fluid environment or other evidence of exceptional ability.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and collaboration skills; experience in ERP or CRM systems preferred.
• Technical procurement and deep understanding of manufacturing processes within the stated commodity.
• Full understanding of the manufacturing process, including raw material, hardware installation, masking, plating, and powder coating.
• Experience reading datasheets, drawings, and/or blueprints with working knowledge of GD&T.
• Ability to make logical, reasoned decisions in ambiguous situations.
• Effective written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Lean Six Sigma
• Data Analytics - BAQs, SQL, DMT, Query/Script creation
• APICS / ISM / ASCM Certification
• CPSR / DCAA / AS9100 audit experience
• Terms and Conditions / Subcontract negotiation experience
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to respond quickly to a fast-moving and ever-changing environment.
• Ability to travel up to 10%, including potential international travel.