Lead Category Management Strategist

aampower· 102 American Axle & Manufacturing Inc
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📍 Detroit, MIFull time

About this role

Job Posting Title

Lead Category Management Strategist

Job Description Summary

Dauch is seeking a Lead Category Management Strategist to join our world-class team. This is an outstanding opportunity to be part of a leading company in the automotive industry, where you will have the chance to contribute to the flawless execution of our manufacturing processes. This role located at our World Headquarters based in Detroit, MI.

The Lead Category Management Strategist drives long-term planning, category strategy development, and continuous improvement across our worldwide footprint. Serving as the global lead for the designated category, this role executes end-to-end strategic sourcing to deliver cost-effective solutions while upholding Tier 1 automotive standards for quality, capacity, and on-time delivery across all Dauch manufacturing facilities

Job Description:

  • Serve as the definitive subject matter expert and global category owner in front of executive leadership, delivering routine performance reviews, supply-market forecasts, risk outlooks, and multi-year cost-down strategies with full command of underlying data.

  • Lead the strategic sourcing process; including request for quotation, evaluation of bids, cost breakdown analysis, negotiation, supplier evaluation, sourcing recommendation, and contracting.   

  • Execute the Global Strategy with the approved supply base, consolidating strategic suppliers while reducing costs, maintaining quality and performance standards and align across all regions.

  • Collaborate on sourcing strategies for new business programs to ensure timely supplier sourcing and readiness.

  • Analyze supplier cost structures and market trends to identify opportunities for cost reductions.

  • Lead and implement process improvements / cost reduction and VAVE activities to improve competitiveness of category spend to meet or exceed budget and business plan targets.

  • Contribute to annual procurement budget development process and support submission of monthly forecasts to finance team.

  • Conduct cost and price negotiations and establish long-term agreements with suppliers to deliver the highest value materials that meet cost, quality, and delivery requirements and drive cost savings and supplier performance improvements.

  • Develop and manage relationships with key suppliers to ensure quality, cost competitiveness, and on-time delivery.

  • Lead technical sourcing reviews with supply base, systems engineering, component engineering and supplier quality engineering contacts to close out all issues and ensure cross-functional support of sourcing recommendations. Identify and mitigate risks in the supply chain, including capacity, price fluctuations, and geopolitical factors.

  • Work with internal teams (engineering, manufacturing, finance) to align procurement strategies with company objectives.

  • All other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Education

  • Bachelor’s degree required, preferred major in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or other related field

  • 10+ years previous purchasing or related manufacturing experience preferred

  • Preferred experience with iron castings

  • Thorough knowledge of industry purchasing policies, procedures, and commercial practices

  • Understanding of global sourcing, landed cost, and supply chain risk management

  • Strong negotiation skills with a history of cost savings and supplier performance improvement

  • Proficiency in ERP systems (Oracle / Plex Preferred) and data analytics tools


About Dauch:

Dauch Corporation is a premier Driveline and Metal Forming supplier serving the global automotive industry with a powertrain-agnostic product portfolio that supports electric, hybrid, and internal combustion vehicles. The company is headquartered in Detroit, MI, with operations that span 24 countries and more than 175 locations. Formed through the acquisition of Dowlais Group plc and its subsidiaries - GKN Automotive and GKN Powder Metallurgy, Dauch unites deep engineering roots with global manufacturing capabilities and an entrepreneurial spirit to move mobility forward. Visit www.dauch.com to learn more.


Dauch will not discriminate against any Associate or applicant for employment because of age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. Dauch will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that Associates are treated equally during employment, without regard to their age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. For the Disabled Job Seeker: We offer reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled individuals who are applicants for employment. To request assistance or accommodations, please e-mail TalentAcquisition@aam.com. Dauch is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the salary disclosed for the Lead Category Management Strategist position at aampower?
The salary for this Lead Category Management Strategist role at aampower is not publicly listed. Click "Apply Now" to learn more about the compensation package on their official careers page.
Where is the Lead Category Management Strategist position at aampower located?
This Lead Category Management Strategist role at aampower is based in Detroit, MI. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Is the Lead Category Management Strategist role at aampower full-time or part-time?
This is listed as a Full time position. It is posted as a Lead Category Management Strategist role in the 102 American Axle & Manufacturing Inc department at aampower.
Which team or department does the Lead Category Management Strategist at aampower belong to?
This Lead Category Management Strategist position is part of the 102 American Axle & Manufacturing Inc department at aampower. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
How do I apply for the Lead Category Management Strategist position at aampower?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to aampower's official application portal hosted on workday where you can submit your application directly.
When was the Lead Category Management Strategist job at aampower posted?
This Lead Category Management Strategist position at aampower was posted on Oct 2, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Lead Category Management Strategist
aampower
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