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

Strategic Category & Sourcing Manager (New Joint Venture)

3M announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Bain Capital to form a new Joint Venture which will combine Scott Safety and Madison Fire and Rescue. 3M's deep expertise and track record in the safety industry combined with Bain Capital's capability to integrate businesses, accelerate growth and drive synergies make this an ideal partnership.

The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

The successful candidate may be employed by 3M prior to closing and the position is expected to transition to the Joint Venture following completion of the transaction. Role scope and timing are subject to business needs and successful transaction close.

For more information, please refer to the press release: 3M to create a leading fire and safety business; acquires Madison Fire & Rescue and combines with Scott Safety - Mar 19, 2026

This position provides an opportunity to transition from other private, public, government or military experience to a 3M career.

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 primarily for suppliers providing custom designed plastic, rubber, and injection molded components. In this role, you will be responsible for driving cost competitiveness, supplier performance, supply continuity, quality, and risk management across a specialized and critical supply base supporting custom-designed direct materials. You will work 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 primarily 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 

To set you up for success in this role from day one, 3M requires (at a minimum) the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher (completed and verified 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 even further in this role include:

• 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:

• This role follows an on-site working model in Monroe, NC

Travel: May include up to 10%

Relocation: May be authorized

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