Category Manager

Title: Category Leader, MRO & Capital Equipment Pay Rate: $60-$65/Hour Duration: 6-month contract with potential for permanent conversion Location: Open to Remote Candidates - (Hybrid in Glendale or Kohler, Wisconsin preferred) Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Category Leader, MRO & Capital Equipment to support a high-priority strategic sourcing initiative within the Indirect Procurement organization. This position is a backfill created due to a team member’s departure and will initially begin as a six-month contract. There may be an opportunity to convert into a permanent position based on business needs and overall fit. This individual will take commercial ownership of the MRO supplier category, leading sourcing events, evaluating suppliers, conducting total cost of ownership analyses, negotiating contracts, and overseeing supplier selection and onboarding. The role requires someone who can independently manage the full sourcing lifecycle while collaborating closely with Maintenance, Operations, Legal, and other internal stakeholders. This is not a transactional purchasing position focused primarily on creating purchase orders or tracking deliveries. The ideal candidate will have direct experience owning supplier relationships, sourcing new suppliers, leading RFPs, negotiating commercial terms, and finalizing complex supplier agreements. Day to Day 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. Must Haves 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. Plusses Experience using SAP Ariba for supplier management, sourcing, or contract management. Experience managing MRO categorie…

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