Category Manager

Family Description

Supply (SU) covers the configuration, demand, and supply planning, order management, sourcing, production, delivery, and managing the procurement activities toward our suppliers.

Procurement (PRO) associates with specifying procurement demands, selecting and contracting suppliers, maintaining the relationship to a supplier, and managing the lifecycle; including supplier performance, risk, and phase‑out for all suppliers for direct material, services, and indirect material.

• Identify, evaluate, and qualify suppliers capable of meeting technical and compliance requirements.
• Obtain and analyze quotes, negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules.
• Issue purchase orders (POs) and manage procurement documentation.
• Monitor supplier performance to ensure quality, lead‑time, and contractual commitments are met.

• Work closely with systems, hardware, software, and test engineers to understand technical specifications and translate them into procurement requirements.
• Review engineering drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), and statements of work (SOWs) to ensure procurement accuracy.
• Support Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) by assessing supply‑chain impacts and updating purchase requirements.

• Align procurement activities with project milestones, budgets, and resource plans.
• Track material availability and proactively mitigate risks such as long‑lead items, obsolescence, component shortages, and supplier delays.
• Maintain communication between suppliers and project managers to ensure on‑time delivery.

• Assist with contract creation, supplier agreements, and NDAs.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, industry standards, and any applicable regulations (e.g., ISO, ITAR, FAR/DFARS if in defense).
• Maintain accurate procurement records for audits and configuration management.

• Conduct cost analysis and benchmarking to ensure competitive pricing.
• Own the analysis of the spending patterns for savings opportunities and support cost‑reduction initiatives, strategic sourcing, and supplier consolidation where appropriate.
• Monitor variances against project budgets and recommend corrective actions.
• Work with vendors and Nokia Procurement to resolve issues related to vendor invoices and payments.
• Follow up on delivery with vendors, and work with Shipping and Receiving to manage the inventory and allocation of the equipment.

• Work with vendors and Nokia Procurement to resolve issues related to vendor invoices and payments.
• Follow up on delivery with vendors, and work with Shipping and Receiving to manage the inventory and allocation of the equipment.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• 2-5+ years of procurement or supply‑chain experience (engineering environment preferred).
• Strong understanding of technical documentation (BOMs, drawings, specs).
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and vendor‑management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic project environment.

• Experience working with system engineering or R&D teams.
• Experience working in the Networking industry with products such as Routers, Switches, and switch ASICs.
• Knowledge of electronics, mechanical components, optics, cables, networking equipment, or software/IT procurement, depending on the domain.
• Certification such as CPSM, CSCP, or PMP.

• Technical literacy: Ability to understand engineering requirements and translate them into procurement actions.
• Analytical thinking: Strong data‑driven decision‑making.
• Attention to detail: Ensures accuracy in documentation and supplier deliverables.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with cross‑functional engineering, finance, and program teams.
• Risk awareness: Identifies and mitigates supply and schedule risks early.

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