This role pays less than
81%
of similar roles. Most pay
$152,727–$204,625
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$144k
versus about
$179k
for comparable roles.
Based on 239 similar postings.
Employer
About L3Harris
L3Harris Technologies is a US aerospace and defense technology company providing space and airborne systems, communications, electronic warfare, and missile propulsion solutions for government and commercial customers.
L3Harris currently has
470 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$106,500–$197,500
across 185 roles with salary data.
Lead Category Manager joins the Space and Mission Systems Category Management Team to develop and execute multi-year strategies focused on rare earths and critical minerals. This role serves as a subject matter expert responsible for optimizing cost, quality, service, supply continuity, and compliance across assigned commodities. The position involves identifying and mitigating risks related to countries of origin, geopolitical factors, and trade regulations while managing supplier relationships and negotiations. Day-to-day responsibilities include performing should-cost modeling, inventory optimization, and supplier rationalization to enhance supply chain resilience. The ideal candidate possesses strong analytical, negotiation, and cross-functional leadership skills to influence stakeholders across engineering, R&D, and legal departments. This role addresses critical supply chain challenges within the aerospace and defense industry, specifically managing complex sourcing requirements for high-priority materials while ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and import/export controls.
Develop and execute multi-year category strategies focusing on rare earths and critical minerals to optimize cost and supply continuity.
Serve as the subject matter expert to align sourcing strategies with business objectives and technical requirements.
Monitor market conditions, geopolitical risks, and trade regulations to inform strategic sourcing decisions.
Lead supplier diversification, negotiations, and long-term agreements to strengthen supply chain resilience.
Drive supplier risk management, traceability, and due diligence to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Manage strategic supplier relationships and performance reviews to improve quality, service, and delivery.
Apply procurement analytics such as should-cost modeling and inventory optimization to deliver value.
Partner with engineering, R&D, and legal teams to support innovation and new product introduction.
What we're looking for
Bachelor's degree and 9 years of relevant experience, a Graduate degree and 7 years of related experience, or 13 years of related experience without a degree.
Must be a U.S. citizen to obtain the required security clearance.
Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, and cross-functional leadership skills (preferred).
Ability to influence without direct authority and manage multiple strategic priorities simultaneously (preferred).
Experience with forecasting, demand planning, and supplier capacity alignment processes (preferred).
Comprehensive knowledge of Category Management and Strategic Sourcing processes (preferred).
Experience in the Aerospace & Defense industry with specific FAR/DFARS experience (preferred).
Self-motivated ability to independently set priorities and meet commitments (preferred).