Lead Global Category Manager - Hybrid

Job Summary

This Lead Sourcing & Supply Management role is responsible for developing and driving category strategies that support Harley-Davidson business objectives while serving as a key owner of sourcing processes and standards. In addition to managing supplier performance, cost productivity, sourcing events, contract/payment terms, and change management, this role provides guidance and mentorship, and helps mature category management processes across the organization. The Lead will deliver results through proactive supplier relationship management, negotiations, competitive bidding, risk management, and coordinated stakeholder alignment. This position acts as a senior interface between supply management and manufacturing, finance, engineering, and program management, helping ensure cross-functional clarity and consistency in execution.

Job Responsibilities

• Develops and executes category strategies for assigned categories.

• Serves as a process owner for defined sourcing and supplier management processes, driving standard work, continuous improvement, and adoption across the broader team.

• Provides informal leadership and mentoring to supply management team members, supporting skill development, coaching on best practices, and reinforcing consistency in tools, templates, and commercial approaches.

• Negotiate and manage key strategic supplier contracts and relationships including the management and execution of master supply agreements.

• Identify potential financial / operational threats to the business and develop / deploy proactive supplier risk mitigation strategies to ensure supply continuity.

• Solves complex problems in supply management using analytical thought, exercising judgment, and identifying innovative solutions.

• Responsible for effectively managing supplier transitions, including developing project implementation plan, development and approval of internal business case, and execution of the transition plan that minimizes business risks.

• Review, approve, monitor, and report compliance to category agreements and strategies based upon Harley-Davidson supply management policies.

• Plan, prepare and execute annual value proposition for the owned spend, and support execution with the business cross functional teams.

• Lead Supplier Business Reviews with strategic suppliers.

• Communicates difficult or sensitive information and builds relationships with suppliers, product development and manufacturing.

Education Requirements

Education Specifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred

Experience Requirements

Required-

• Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience in category management, procurement, supply chain, and/or operations.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively interpret internal and external business challenges and recommend best practices to improve supply management processes.

• Broad expertise in supply chain management, procurement, supplier quality, S&OP, negotiation, and product development

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within and/or lead a group or team.

• Experience in a manufacturing environment

• Demonstrated ability to lead a group and / or team and provide guidance to other employees.

Preferred-

• Experience in a manufacturing environment

• Demonstrated CI experience

• Motorcycle riding experience and knowledge in Harley-Davidson motorcycles and accessories.