Category Manager

Job Description

• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives within the MRO and capital equipment categories.
• Take ownership of the complete supplier sourcing and selection process.
• Develop and manage strategies for supplier agreements and renewals.
• Lead cross-functional RFx processes, including development, distribution, supplier evaluation, proposal analysis, selection, and negotiation.
• Source and evaluate new suppliers based on capabilities, cost, service, risk, and business needs.
• Prepare RFPs and evaluate supplier proposals using total cost of ownership analysis.
• Develop negotiation strategies and lead commercial negotiations with suppliers.
• Negotiate and finalize complex supplier contracts, primarily within the United States.
• Review contract terms and conditions and differentiate between commercial terms and matters requiring Legal’s involvement.
• Identify and deliver savings across assigned spend categories.
• Conduct cost-structure analyses, market comparisons, and supplier evaluations.
• Coordinate supplier selection and onboarding activities against firm project deadlines.
• Partner closely with Maintenance, Operations, Legal, and other business stakeholders.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings and provide regular updates on sourcing progress, risks, and timelines.
• Identify opportunities to improve spending, supplier performance, and procurement processes.
• Independently manage priorities and keep projects moving with limited oversight.

Skills and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Procurement, Supply Chain, Operations, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of professional experience.
• At least 5 years of MRO purchasing or strategic sourcing experience.
• Professional experience within a purchasing or procurement department.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ownership of the full strategic sourcing lifecycle.
• Significant experience sourcing suppliers, leading RFPs, evaluating proposals, and making supplier-selection recommendations.
• Experience conducting total cost of ownership analyses.
• Strong experience leading vendor negotiations and managing complex commercial contracts.
• Ability to interpret contract terms and conditions and identify when Legal support is required.
• Experience managing suppliers beyond transactional purchasing or purchase-order processing.
• Ability to work independently, manage deadlines, and lead negotiations with limited oversight.
• Ability to work effectively across Maintenance, Operations, Legal, and other internal teams.
• Experience using SAP Ariba for supplier management, sourcing, or contract management.
• Experience managing MRO categories within a manufacturing organization.
• Experience supporting supplier onboarding and implementation.
• Familiarity with both domestic and international contract considerations, although the role will primarily support U.S.-based activity.
• Ability to work onsite periodically in Glendale or Kohler, Wisconsin.

We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to [email protected].