Regional Category Manager – Machines & Strategic Components NAA

Otis Elevator Co.•Florence, SC

About The Position

Would you like to join a truly international, talent driven company that values Safety, Ethics, Quality, Innovation and Employee Opportunity? Otis is seeking a strategic and results-driven Regional Category Manager to lead sourcing activities for elevator machines and critical strategic components across the NAA region. This includes (but is not limited to) traction machines, motors, encoders, ropes, belts, sheaves, terminations, safety‑critical assemblies, and associated mechanical subsystems. The successful candidate will develop and deploy the global category strategy in alignment with the Global Category team and the NAA Supply Chain Business Partner. The role provides full oversight of regional supplier selection, contract execution, supplier performance management (including Supplier Premier program), and cost optimization initiatives. The candidate will be accountable for achieving ambitious productivity, quality, and supply assurance goals while managing risks in a highly technical and strategic supply base. This is a unique opportunity to shape one of the most critical categories within Otis’ global procurement organization, impacting safety, reliability, and competitiveness of the elevator product line. If you have a passion for strategic sourcing and procurement, and you are looking to make a significant impact in the mechanical category space, we invite you to apply today!

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering or purchasing; Master's preferred
8+ years in procurement, category management, and team leadership
Robust technical understanding of mechanical and electromechanical components, with experience in motors, ropes, or rotating machinery being highly advantageous
Prefer experience in global, matrixed, industrial organizations
Strong negotiation and contract management skills
Proficient in Excel, procurement systems (JD Edwards, SAP, EDI), and cost modeling
Ability to influence and collaborate across all organizational levels
Strong interpersonal and communication skills; multicultural experience
Able to travel up to 20% within the NAA region
Given the nature of the position, applicants must have authorization to work in the U.S. now and in the future without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree
Experience in global, matrixed, industrial organizations
Experience in motors, ropes, or rotating machinery

Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Execution Develop and implement the regional sourcing strategy for Machines & Strategic Components (motors, gearless machines, encoders, ropes, belts, sheaves, terminations, etc.) in alignment with the global category strategy.
Lead category deployment across NAA, ensuring harmonization of technical specifications, standards, and supplier strategy.
Deliver annual productivity targets through competitive sourcing, cost‑driver transparency (materials, labor, machining, winding processes, forging/casting, rope & belt manufacturing), and strategic negotiations.
Operational Support to Sites Provide operational support to NAA manufacturing and field sites for all machine and strategic component needs.
Monitor supplier On-Time Delivery (OTD) and drive corrective actions to maintain supply continuity for safety‑critical components.
Ensure timely and accurate price updates in procurement systems in coordination with sourcing, finance, and local buyers.
Enforce strict adherence to Otis procurement processes and governance (contracts, PO compliance, sourcing policies).
Support sites on day‑to‑day supplier issues: quality deviations, machine failures, encoder reliability issues, rope/belt performance, capacity constraints, logistics delays, etc.
Serve as the key escalation point for supply-critical incidents, coordinating with suppliers and internal teams to ensure rapid resolution.
Cost, Performance & Supply Base Management Manage the full supplier base for machines and strategic components, ensuring competitiveness, performance, and innovation.
Conduct supplier business reviews and implement continuous improvement plans (cost, quality, delivery, sustainability).
Negotiate contracts, prices, and terms using data-driven models, including should-cost analysis for motors, machining, forging, winding, and rope/belt construction.
Drive standardization, consolidation opportunities, and long‑term risk mitigation strategies in compliance with Otis policies.
Ensure rigorous Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) management across component lifecycles.
Cross-Functional Leadership & Collaboration Collaborate with Engineering to align technical specifications, qualification requirements, and lifecycle strategies for machines, encoders, ropes, belts, and traction components.
Support New Product Introduction (NPI) and transitions related to new machine technologies, materials, and safety-regulated components.
Partner with Quality and Operations to resolve complex technical or performance issues and drive supplier development.

Benefits

We offer a 401(k) plan with a generous company match and an automatic retirement contribution for your future financial security from day one of your employment, you and your eligible dependents will receive comprehensive medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage.
Enjoy three weeks of paid vacation, along with paid company holidays
We provide paid sick leave, employee assistance, and wellness incentive programs to support your well-being.
Life insurance and disability coverage to protect you and your family.
Voluntary benefits, including options for legal, pet, home, and auto insurance.
We offer generous birth/adoption and parental leave benefits, as well as adoption assistance, to support growing families.
Pursue your educational goals with our tuition reimbursement program.
Recognize and be recognized! We celebrate service anniversaries and offer spot performance bonus opportunities to show our appreciation.

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