Category Manager - Americas MRO

Develop and implement regional category strategies for assigned categories in alignment with global sourcing objectives, taking full ownership of category performance across the Americas.

Execute strategic sourcing, R&D sourcing, and supplier negotiations, including contracts, statements of work, pricing, payment terms, MOQ and lead time reductions, and vendor-managed inventory solutions when applicable.

Lead cost reduction and cost containment initiatives, identifying savings opportunities through supplier consolidation, process improvements, and strategic negotiations.

Monitor, track, and report savings performance against established targets and regional goals.

Manage material and service pricing, ensuring competitiveness and supply continuity.

Conduct market analysis, monitor industry trends, and assess supplier capabilities to continuously refine sourcing strategies and identify innovation opportunities.

Lead the RFx process, including RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs. Analyze supplier quotations, conduct detailed cost breakdown evaluations, and support internal requestors in supplier selection while ensuring standard terms are met or effectively negotiated.

Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders, conducting regular supplier performance reviews against defined KPIs.

Actively manage supplier performance issues and escalations, driving timely resolution and supporting the plants as a trusted procurement partner.

Identify, assess, and mitigate supply chain risks, developing contingency plans to ensure continuity of supply for critical goods and services.

Lead and participate in cross-functional collaboration with manufacturing plants, materials, engineering, quality, R&D, and business teams across the region.

Share and promote sourcing best practices, supporting capability building and mentoring within the organization.

Proven experience in category management, strategic sourcing, and negotiations, with the ability to manage large supplier portfolios and multiple internal partners.

Advanced English proficiency (written and verbal); for other regions Spanish is a strong plus.

Strong spend analytics skills with the ability to build business cases, define negotiation strategies, and present recommendations to senior stakeholders.

Demonstrated success in negotiating contracts, pricing, and commercial terms to deliver optimal outcomes.

Experience developing and managing complex RFx processes, contracts, and statements of work.

Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to lead initiatives independently.

Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly across different cultures and languages.

Strong proficiency in MS Office Suite.

Ability to travel up to 25%, including flexibility to communicate outside of standard business hours.

High level of integrity and professionalism in all activities.

Strong leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to build trust and partnerships across regional plants and functions.

Ability to work effectively independently and within cross-functional teams in a matrixed environment.

Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and sense of urgency in fast-paced, dynamic environments.

Proven experience supporting multiple manufacturing plants across different geographies.

Ability to prioritize, organize tasks, and manage competing demands effectively.

Hard-working, proactive, and solution-oriented mindset.

Exposure to Lean, Six Sigma, or Gemba methodologies is a plus.

Quick learner with a strong customer and business focus.