Category Manager

The role

You will act as the strategic link between engineering and supply chain for mechatronic parts. You will own sourcing strategies, collaborate on early design phases, and manage global supplier relationships to support rapid scale-up.

What you will do

• Own and execute sourcing strategies for mechatronics, precision metals, and electromechanical assemblies.
• Partner with Mechanical and Electromechanical Engineers during early design phases.
• Advise on Design-for-Manufacturing, lead times, and realistic cost structures.
• Build relationships with key global suppliers and European partners.
• Implement SLAs to monitor OTIF and quality metrics.
• Identify potential material shortages and single-source risks.
• Lead Make vs Buy analyses for complex mechatronic sub-assemblies.
• Draft Statements of Work and manage knowledge transfer roadmaps.
• Negotiate framework contracts, pricing structures, and tooling agreements.
• Maintain BOM configurations, lead times, and pricing inside SAP or Odoo.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Mechanical Engineering, or Mechatronics
• 5+ years of strategic procurement or category management experience in high-tech manufacturing
• Strong technical baseline in CNC machining, casting, injection molding, and tolerances
• Proven track record of managing RFQ processes and negotiating long-term framework contracts
• Hands-on experience navigating modern ERP platforms like Odoo or SAP
• Professional fluency in written and spoken English
• Agility to move fluidly between high-level strategy and hands-on supplier escalation
• Occasional availability for international travel to conduct supplier audits and site visits

Nice to have

• Fluency or professional proficiency in Dutch or German

Benefits

• Great Place to Work® certified company
• Comprehensive pension plan
• Commuting allowance
• 30 days of paid holiday leave
• Possibility to buy 3 additional holiday days
• Opportunities to develop skills through training and certifications
• High quality laptop/desktop, monitor, headphones, and necessary equipment
• International team of 30+ nationalities
• Social events and Friday drinks

About the company

Robin Radar is a defence technology leader in detecting, tracking and classifying drones and other small airborne objects. They are one of the top 10 fastest-growing companies in the Netherlands.