Category Leader – MRO & Capital Equipment
Position Overview
The Category Leader – MRO & Capital Equipment is responsible for developing and executing strategic sourcing initiatives that optimize MRO spend across multiple business units. This role partners closely with Operations and other internal stakeholders to evaluate suppliers, lead competitive sourcing events, negotiate complex agreements, and identify opportunities to reduce total cost of ownership. The ideal candidate brings significant MRO procurement experience, strong contract negotiation skills, and the ability to independently manage complex sourcing initiatives in a global environment.

Location: strong preference for those near Kohler, WI or Milwaukee, WI. Will consider remote candidates
Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
Compensation: $65.00-$80.00/hour depending on experience (will convert to higher salary)
Opportunity Type: 6-month contract with potential to convert permanently.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and execute sourcing strategies for MRO and related spend categories.
Lead agreement renewals and develop strategies for upcoming supplier negotiations.
Manage the full RFx process, including development, supplier engagement, proposal evaluation, supplier selection, and negotiation.
Analyze supplier proposals and cost structures to identify the best overall solution based on total cost of ownership.
Identify and execute cost savings and spend optimization opportunities.
Partner cross-functionally with Operations and other stakeholders to understand business requirements, timelines, and budgets.
Identify contractual requirements and establish agreements that support business and operational needs.
Evaluate demand-management opportunities to promote efficient and effective spending.
Lead negotiations with suppliers of varying sizes and levels of leverage.
Develop pre-negotiation strategies, financial analyses, and market-based cost comparisons.
Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities within the supplier base.
Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and business partners.

Strong knowledge of MRO purchasing, strategic sourcing, category management, and supplier management.
Demonstrated experience managing and negotiating MRO spend.
Ability to evaluate supplier proposals, cost structures, and total cost of ownership.
Experience developing and executing sourcing and negotiation strategies.
Strong understanding of commercial contracts and business/legal interpretations of contract terms and conditions.
Experience working with domestic and international contractual requirements.
Proven ability to negotiate and manage complex commercial agreements.
Comfortable independently leading contract negotiations with limited oversight.
Ability to negotiate effectively across varying levels of supplier leverage.
Strong ability to partner with stakeholders across multiple business units and functional areas.
Ability to understand competing business needs and develop solutions that support both internal and external customers.
Proven ability to influence stakeholders and maintain critical business relationships.
Strong written, verbal, presentation, and executive communication skills.
Ability to simplify complex sourcing, contractual, and financial information for leaders and business partners.
Self-directed with a strong sense of ownership and urgency.
Comfortable managing multiple priorities and operating effectively in ambiguous environments.
Results-oriented with strong problem-solving and continuous improvement skills.

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Procurement, Supply Chain, Operations, or a related field.
Minimum of 10 years of professional experience, including at least 5 years of MRO purchasing/procurement experience.
Significant experience leading supplier negotiations and managing contracts with vendors of varying sizes.
Experience utilizing supplier management and contract management systems.

Demonstrated experience managing complex sourcing initiatives and working cross-functionally with business and operational stakeholders.

Category Code: JN014, JN016
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SeniorityLevel: Mid-Senior