Purchasing Category Manager - Machining and forged parts
SKF Aerospace Business Unit Supply Chain and Purchasing team is currently establishing a flexible, agile, and creative organization. We are looking for an experienced and motivated Category Manager to further develop and execute the SKF Aerospace purchasing strategy within the machining and forged parts domain. This will be done in close cooperation with key internal stakeholders within the Aerospace Business Unit.
The scope of this role includes the machining and forged activities (subcontracting or bought components).
Your responsibilities include, but are not limited to
* Define the categories’ strategy for the European factories.
* Drive purchasing strategy development of the categories as well as identifying and executing regional synergies and cost‑out opportunities to support all the Aerospace European factories in reaching defined cost targets.
* Ensure that supplier bases are properly equipped with capacity/capability, standardized contracts, and competition models, as well as efficient/effective request‑to‑order processes.
* Work closely with local purchasing organizations and stakeholders on strategic and tactical sourcing projects.
* Inform stakeholders and the purchasing team about market trends, price changes, and develop response actions as necessary.
* Implement and manage Supplier Relationship Management (SRM), including proactive risk mitigation, sustainability requirements, and global contract management.
* Provide advice and guidance on structural change items, such as sustainability.
* Support all the other departments (purchasing, Supply Chain, new projects, and sustainability teams) in their activities.
What we expect you to have
The candidate we are looking for should have a relevant educational background, considerable purchasing experience, and a deep understanding of machining and forged parts. Knowledge of Aerospace is a plus.
* Degree in Mechanical / Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or related field.
* Experience in category management, sourcing, negotiation, and contracting preferably in a multinational environment.
* Experience managing cross‑functional projects (project management) in a global context.
* Effective communication skills, change management skills, and stakeholder management skills.
* Proficiency in English, both written and spoken.
SKF is committed to creating a diverse environment, and we firmly believe that a diverse workforce is essential for our continued success. Therefore, we only focus on your experience, skills, and potential. Come as you are – just be yourself. #weareSKF
You will enjoy working here if you...
* Have high analytical and logical reasoning abilities.
* Have the ability to structure and prioritize proactive and reactive activities.
* Have solid business acumen, high integrity/ethics, and good negotiation skills.
What we can bring you
* A thriving industry: Join the exciting world of aerospace – a fast‑growing and innovative sector.
* A unique opportunity: Bring your ideas and skills to this newly created position and help shape it from the ground up.
* Meaningful challenges: Take on stimulating responsibilities where your strategic vision will guide key decisions.
Some additional information
The position will be based in Italy, Villar Perosa site (on local contract). You will report to the Aerospace Purchasing Manager Europe.
For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Simona Collino, Recruitment Expert Europe & Africa, at simona.collino@skf.com. Please note that we can't accept applications via email, due to GDPR.
At SKF, we are committed to promoting fairness and inclusivity throughout our recruitment process. To achieve this, we may include assessments and verify the information in your application in compliance with country‑specific laws and regulations.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the recruiter.
Is this you?
If the answer is "yes!", please submit your application with your CV and cover letter in English, no later than January 6th, 2026. Candidates will hear from us shortly after the final application date.
Follow us on Social Media!
About SKF
SKF has been around for more than a century and today we are one of the world’s largest global suppliers of bearings and supporting solutions for rotating equipment. With more than 40,000 employees in around 130 countries, we are truly global. Our products are found everywhere in society. In fact, wherever there is movement, SKF’s solutions might be at work. This means that we are an important part of the everyday lives of people and companies around the world. See more, at www.skf.com.
#J-18808-Ljbffr