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 plansProvide technical expertise on casting processes (sand, investment, die, shell, permanent mold, etc.) and manufacturability optimizationCollaborate with engineering to optimize designs for cost, quality, and performanceConduct market and technology assessments to identify innovations, trends, and supplier risks2. Supplier development & Performance Improvement
Lead and support supplier development initiatives to improve quality, delivery, cost, and capacity performanceAssess underperforming critical suppliers and support structured improvement plans with KPIs3. Supplier Strategy & Relationship Management
Support supplier selection and strategic supplier footprint optimizationBuild strong relationships with key and strategic casting suppliersAct as escalation point for critical supplier issues and performance gapsCollaborate with strategic suppliers on new technologies and process improvements4. Risk Management & Supply Chain Resilience
Identify and mitigate supplier risks (quality, capacity, financial, regulatory)Support business continuity and resilience planningDrive proactive risk mitigation aligned with category strategy and business objectives5. Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work with category and division and engineering teams to define project objectives, processes, policies, procedures and rulesServe as the authority for casting design, metallurgy, and tooling standards, ensuring adherence to specificationExplaining policy implementation to fellow team membersSupport product development lifecycle (PDP) and supplier readiness activitiesSupport localization, globalization, and new product initiatives.
MAIN OBJECTIVES
Project problem resolutionCost reduction and value creationSupplier capability and capacity improvement indexSupplier risk reduction and continuity assuranceCategory performance vs. strategic targetsSupplier development project completion rateQualifications 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 field10+ years of experience in supplier development, supplier qualityExperience 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 marketsAbility to read and interpret technical drawings and specificationsStrong knowledge of supplier performance management and continuous improvementStrong analytical, communication, and influencing skillsTechnical procurement, New Product Introduction and production procurement, manufacturing, or design/development experienceMake vs Buy analysisHas a good understanding of latest technologies and trends in the industryPreferred
Experience managing global casting suppliers (e.g., India, China, Mexico, Eastern Europe)Familiarity with ISO standards and quality systemsExperience in pumps, valves, turbines, or heavy industrial manufacturingAdvanced manufacturing knowledgeKey Competencies
Strategic thinking and problem-solvingData-driven decision makingInfluence without authorityProject managementContinuous improvement mindsetWhat Success Looks Like
Improved supplier quality, delivery, and cost performanceStrong, resilient casting supply base aligned to business strategyReduced supply risk and enhanced continuityIncreased supplier capability and adoption of best practicesSuccessful deployment of category and supplier development initiatives