Strategic Category & Sourcing Manager-Rubber, Plastic, Injection Molding (New Joint Venture)

Strategic Category & Sourcing Manager (New Joint Venture)

3M has formed a new Joint Venture with Bain Capital that will combine Scott Safety and Madison Fire and Rescue. The role will support the transition to this new organization, with the successful candidate expected to join 3M prior to closing and then transition to the Joint Venture after the transaction is completed.

The Impact You’ll Make in this Role

As the Strategic Category & Sourcing Manager – Plastics, Rubber & Injection Molded Direct Material parts, you will lead the development and execution of category strategies for suppliers providing custom-designed plastic, rubber, and injection molded components. Your responsibilities include driving cost competitiveness, supplier performance, supply continuity, quality, and risk management across a specialized supply base, and working closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and other stakeholders to support operational needs, new product introductions, and long-term business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic category plans for custom-designed plastics, rubber, and injection molded parts aligned with business priorities for cost, quality, growth, supply continuity, and risk mitigation.
• Lead sourcing initiatives including supplier identification, RFIs, RFQs, RFPs, negotiations, supplier selection, and implementation.
• Manage supplier relationships and serve as the primary sourcing lead for assigned suppliers and commodity areas.
• Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, and supply agreements to improve value, mitigate risk, and support business continuity.
• Conduct spend analysis, market intelligence, cost modeling, and supplier benchmarking to identify sourcing opportunities and strengthen category competitiveness.
• Partner with suppliers to improve quality, delivery, capacity, responsiveness, service, and cost performance.
• Assess supplier capabilities related to tooling, molding processes, material expertise, manufacturing capacity, and quality systems.
• Evaluate and manage suppliers with capabilities in injection molding, elastomer processing, tooling, secondary operations, and custom component manufacturing to support quality, capacity, cost, and innovation objectives.
• Support supplier selection and development for custom molded components, elastomeric materials, and related assemblies.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to support engineering, operational, and quality business objectives.
• Provide key support for new product introduction activities through early engagement on supplier selection, collaboration on design for manufacturability, development of a plan for every part (PFEP), and actions to ensure supply‑chain readiness in support of project and production launch timelines.
• Identify and manage supply risks related to tooling, sole or single sourcing, capacity constraints, raw material availability, and supplier performance.
• Lead supplier business reviews, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure suppliers meet applicable regulatory, quality, and corporate requirements.

Your Skills and Expertise

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher (completed prior to start).
• Five (5) years of experience in sourcing, category management, procurement, supply chain, operations, engineering, manufacturing, finance, or a related field in a private, public, government, or military environment.

Additional qualifications that could help you succeed:

• Experience managing suppliers in a direct‑materials environment within a highly regulated industry.
• Experience sourcing custom‑designed direct materials and supporting complex or engineered components.
• Experience leading sourcing strategies, supplier selection, and contract negotiations.
• Experience supporting new product introduction, supplier readiness, design for manufacturability, and engineering changes.
• Experience with plan for every part (PFEP) and supply‑chain readiness planning.
• Strong strategic sourcing, supplier management, negotiation, and contract management skills.
• Experience conducting spend analysis, market assessments, and cost improvement initiatives.
• Strong understanding of supplier qualification, change management, and quality requirements in regulated manufacturing environments.
• Strong cross‑functional collaboration skills with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain teams.
• Strong analytical, project management, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency in Excel‑based data analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Work location

• On‑site working model in Monroe, NC.

Travel

• May include up to 10% travel.

Relocation

• May be authorized.

Legal Authorization

• Must be legally authorized to work in the country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).

3M does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.