Ciudad juarez, chihuahua, mexico; troy, michigan, united states job id: j*versigent designs and delivers the systems that move power through modern technology.from vehicles to robotics to energy platforms, our electrical distribution systems enable the next generation of electrified, automated and connected products.as a standalone company, we combine deep engineering expertise with the speed and focus needed to solve increasingly complex challenges.our teams move quickly, think with precision and deliver at scale — helping customers do more without adding cost, weight or complexity.what defines us is how we work: with the agility and momentum of a startup, backed by the experience and discipline of a proven global leader.that combination creates an environment where ideas move faster, ownership is real and impact is visible.the lead category purchasing manager is accountable for the end-to-end purchasing strategy and execution across high-volume global, national, and complex regional supply bases, managing a $1.9b usd direct material spend.this role leads a bi-national purchasing organization across the usa and mexico, aligning category strategies with business objectives, driving sustainable cost and value improvements, supporting new business quotations, and ensuring quality and supply continuity.the position elevates purchasing from a transactional function into a strategic engine for competitiveness, growth, and supply chain resilience.*my role*:- *end-to-end purchasing leadership*:- own and manage the end-to-end purchasing perimeter for direct materials, services, supporting 20+ manufacturing plants and multiple vehicle programs, while ensuring full compliance with corporate purchasing policies, quality systems, safety, and environmental standards.- lead a matrixed, bi-national purchasing organization across the usa and mexico, operating within a program-driven oem/tier-1 environment, with clear accountability for category performance, plant support, and program execution- drive business continuity and customer protection by prioritizing constrained materials across plants and programs, coordinating cross-functional task forces (purchasing, quality, engineering, manufacturing, logistics), and securing executive alignment when required- *strategic sourcing & category management*:- define, develop, and execute commodity strategies for high-spend and technically complex categories including copper, cables, terminals, connectors, plastics, rubber, metals, and harness coverings.- support the leadership in developing and deploying tactical and strategic plans to achieve material line phase performance targets, leveraging vave and p2p initiatives and new item introductions.- *complex bom & program support*:- lead purchasing activities for highly complex boms with a large number of components, ensuring cost competitiveness, supply continuity, and technical alignment throughout the product lifecycle.- actively participate in early project phases (expertise, acquisition, development, and serial life), supporting sourcing decisions, cost modeling, and supplier selection.- *supplier performance & risk management*:- develop and maintain strong partnerships with key suppliers, conducting site visits, audits, vaves and improvement workshops, including kaizen and continuous improvement initiatives at supplier sites.- effectively manage high-pressure situations related to supply risk, cost volatility, program escalations, and tight timelines.- *cost, budget & value creation*:- oversee purchasing budgets and kpis, driving sustainable cost reductions, productivity improvements, and total cost of ownership optimization.- work with suppliers, plants, engineering, buyers, and program teams to identify and execute cost-reduction and value-engineering initiatives.- *cross-functional & matrix collaboration*:- partner closely with engineering, r&d, manufacturing, finance, quality, programs, sales, and operations within a matrix organization to align sourcing strategies with business and program requirements.- actively contribute to quotation phases to strengthen competitiveness and support new business acquisition.- *governance, compliance & contracting*:- ensure full adherence to purchasing processes, policies, and procedures across programs and plants.- collaborate with the legal department to ensure contractual soundness, risk mitigation, and compliance in supplier agreements.- *people development & leadership*:- mentor, coach, and develop purchasing associates to enhance performance, build expertise, and support long-term career growth.- foster a results-driven, resilient, and engaged purchasing culture capable of performing under pressure and driving change.- *continuous improvement & communication*:- lead and participate in continuous improvement initiatives across sourcing, supplier performance, and internal purchasing processes.- prepare a