Category Manager - Procurement

Innovation is the heart of Brunswick.  See how your contributions will help transform vision into reality:

Position Overview: 

The role of Category Manager, Procurement at Mercury Marine develops, plans, and executes the procurement and supply chain strategy for the Maintenance, Repair & Operations (MRO) category. This role partners closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Facilities, and Finance to ensure continuity of supply, standardization, and value creation across MRO categories. The Category Manager leads strategic sourcing initiatives, supplier negotiations, and continuous improvement efforts to support operational uptime and business objectives. Additionally, this high visibility hands-on role leads internal team, cross-functional collaboration, and drives supplier execution for new product development and current production to optimize costs, quality, and delivery with a complex and fast-paced supply chain.  The Category Manager develops and manages relationships with global supply partners, driving innovation and competitive advantage for Mercury Marine and our global locations.

At Brunswick, we have passion for our work and a distinct ability to deliver. 

Essential Functions:

Category Leadership – Passionately lead their category team, building and communicating the vision, and developing team members to be proactive agents of change, recognized for procurement excellence, subject matter expertise, and ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders in a dynamic and high-performance environment. Define and implement category strategies for MRO, aligning with business objectives and operational needs. Drive standardization of parts and services across sites to reduce complexity and cost. Monitor market trends and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for innovation and efficiency.

• Supplier Management – Develop and execute sourcing and supplier management strategies utilizing global supply partners that deliver the technology and supplier performance to meet current and future business needs.  Proactively identify and mitigate risks.  Drive supplier performance improvements to resolve gaps, putting the business at risk.  Foster successful, collaborative relationships, and facilitate early involvement in development to spur innovation. Manage supplier relationships, including performance reviews, contract compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Cost and Contract Management – Own the commercial relationship with suppliers, developing and managing contracts, leading negotiations, managing pricing for components and tooling to optimize profitability while maintaining successful business relationships, and effectively managing the internal cost budgeting and forecasting process. Develop and execute multi-year category strategies for MRO spend, including tools, consumables, spare parts, safety supplies, Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) and services. Drive total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis, demand management, and spend visibility across MRO categories. Track and report category performance, savings, KPIs, and supplier metrics.

• Project Management – Manage projects for new product development, cost reduction, or strategic change in a proactive, collaborative, thorough, and detail-oriented manner to ensure quality, cost and timing requirements are achieved. Lead strategic sourcing events (RFPs, RFQs, negotiations) to deliver cost savings, risk mitigation, and service improvements. Identify and mitigate supply risks, ensuring business continuity for essential operations. Drive compliance with safety, quality, and sustainability standards in the supply base.

• Cross-functional Collaboration – Facilitate effective communication with stakeholders across the engineering, manufacturing, quality, finance, and service organizations, working as a partner with these functions to drive execution for the overall benefit of the company. Partner with maintenance, operations, and engineering teams to understand demand, standardize specifications, and improve inventory management.

Diversity of thought and experiences is fundamental when imagining the unimaginable. Certain skillsets/experiences are necessary; however, others can be developed along the way.

Required Qualifications:  

• Minimum 5+ years of experience in sourcing, supply chain management, or engineering.

• BS/BA in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Operations Management or related business field

• Experience working in a global organization with a matrix structure.

• Experience in manufacturing, industrial, facilities management, or multi-site operations.

• Knowledge of inventory management, reliability, or maintenance practices.

• Prior experience leading and managing a team of sourcing professionals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional certification (CPSM, CPIM, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt is highly desired

• MBA is preferred.

• Six Sigma Green Belt desirable

• Familiarity with Office suite products especially Excel; Power Bi is desired

• Experience with an ERP system; Oracle is preferred

Working Conditions:

• Hybrid work environment (minimum 3 days in office per week).

• Travel up to 10% for supplier visits and site support.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and execution

• Influencing without authority

• Data-driven decision making

• Supplier relationship management

• Continuous improvement mindset

The hiring range for this position is $86,500 to $126,800 annually. The actual base pay offered will vary based on multiple factors including job-related knowledge/skills, relevant experience, business needs, and geographic location. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the specifics of the candidate’s qualifications and the business context.

In addition to base pay, this position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. This position is eligible to participate in Brunswick's comprehensive and high-quality benefits offerings, including medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, 401k (up to 4% match), Health Savings Account (with company contribution), well-being program, product purchase discounts and much more. Details about our benefits can be found here.

Why Brunswick: 

Brunswick Corporation is a leader in the marine industry, and we’re looking for people just like you to take part in the movement towards better boating for all. We rely on the thoughtful input of people from all backgrounds to create compelling, innovative products for our customers around the globe. As such, diversity, equity, and inclusion are priorities in the enduring culture of our company. As a world leader in emerging recreational products and technologies, when you join our team, you become part of some of the most innovative, forward-looking brands in the marine industry today.

About Mercury Marine:

Headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Mercury Marine® is the world’s leading manufacturer of recreational marine propulsion engines. A division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), Mercury provides engines, boats, services and parts for recreational, commercial and government marine applications. Mercury empowers boaters with products that are easy to use, extremely reliable and backed by the most dedicated customer support in the world. The company’s industry-leading brand portfolio includes Mercury outboard engines, Mercury MerCruiser® sterndrive and inboard packages, Mercury propellers, Mercury inflatable boats, Mercury SmartCraft® electronics, Land 'N' Sea marine parts distribution and Mercury and Quicksilver® parts and oils. More information is available at MercuryMarine.com.