Casting Category Technical Leader

The SME partners closely with Category, Divisions, Engineerin

The Subject Matter Expert (SME) – Castings is responsible for providing deep technical and strategic expertise across the casting supply base to enable best-in-class supply chain performance. This role combines supplier development, and technical leadership to ensure the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective, and reliable cast components aligned with category strategy

The SME is recognized as a global authority in the field, providing deep technical expertise to address knowledge gaps across projects and support strategic development initiatives, while serving as the primary technical authority for casting processes and supplier capabilities supporting both proactive strategic initiatives, supplier development and issue resolution.

g, Quality, and Manufacturing to optimize casting design, improve supplier capabilities, mitigate risks, and drive continuous improvement across the global supply base

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY

1. Technical Leadership

Support development and execution of casting category strategies and long-term sourcing plans

Provide technical expertise on casting processes (sand, investment, die, shell, permanent mold, etc.) and manufacturability optimization

Collaborate with engineering to optimize designs for cost, quality, and performance

Conduct market and technology assessments to identify innovations, trends, and supplier risks

2. Supplier development & Performance Improvement

Lead and support supplier development initiatives to improve quality, delivery, cost, and capacity performance

Assess underperforming critical suppliers and support structured improvement plans with KPIs

3. Supplier Strategy & Relationship Management

Support supplier selection and strategic supplier footprint optimization

Build strong relationships with key and strategic casting suppliers

Act as escalation point for critical supplier issues and performance gaps

Collaborate with strategic suppliers on new technologies and process improvements

4. Risk Management & Supply Chain Resilience

Identify and mitigate supplier risks (quality, capacity, financial, regulatory)

Support business continuity and resilience planning

Drive proactive risk mitigation aligned with category strategy and business objectives

5. Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work with category and division and engineering teams to define project objectives, processes, policies, procedures and rules

Serve as the authority for casting design, metallurgy, and tooling standards, ensuring adherence to specification

Explaining policy implementation to fellow team members

Support product development lifecycle (PDP) and supplier readiness activities

Support localization, globalization, and new product initiatives

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MAIN OBJECTIVES

Project problem resolution

Cost reduction and value creation

Supplier capability and capacity improvement index

Supplier risk reduction and continuity assurance

Category performance vs. strategic targets

Supplier development project completion rate

Qualifications Required

Metallurgist or Material Science background is preferred along with knowledge of gating systems for steel high-mix low-volume complex castings

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field

10+ years of experience in supplier development, supplier quality

Experience in Technical aspects casting including sand castings, die castings, investment castings, permanent mold casting, and open/closed forgings procurement

Strong knowledge of casting processes (ferrous and non-ferrous) and global supply markets

Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications

Strong knowledge of supplier performance management and continuous improvement

Strong analytical, communication, and influencing skills

Technical procurement, New Product Introduction and production procurement, manufacturing, or design/development experience

Make vs Buy analysis

Has a good understanding of latest technologies and trends in the industry

Preferred

Experience managing global casting suppliers (e.g., India, China, Mexico, Eastern Europe)

Familiarity with ISO standards and quality systems

Experience in pumps, valves, turbines, or heavy industrial manufacturing

Advanced manufacturing knowledge

Key Competencies

Strategic thinking and problem-solving

Data-driven decision making

Influence without authority

Project management

Continuous improvement mindset

What Success Looks Like

Improved supplier quality, delivery, and cost performance

Strong, resilient casting supply base aligned to business strategy

Reduced supply risk and enhanced continuity

Increased supplier capability and adoption of best practices

Successful deployment of category and supplier development initiatives