Category Manager I

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Minnesota.

📋 Description

• Develop, execute, and implement category strategies by collaborating with stakeholders, analyzing expenditures and market dynamics, defining sourcing plans, and adjusting strategies in response to changing business conditions.

• Identify, prioritize, and execute scalable consignment or EBOS opportunities across EBOS categories and projects.

• Lead supplier relationship management by engaging at the executive level, conducting business reviews, monitoring performance, and addressing operational needs such as expediting orders.

• Enhance category financial performance by formulating financial strategies, developing pricing approaches, and conducting monthly and annual financial reviews that include metrics, forecasts, and project updates.

• Achieve significant material cost reductions by spearheading contract negotiations, establishing negotiation strategies, utilizing TCO models, tracking market drivers, and managing commodity inflation forecasting and mitigation.

• Define negotiation strategies that encompass supplier profiles, commercial negotiation targets, switching costs, and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

• Evaluate category opportunities by analyzing spend segmentation, category maturity, cost drivers, and supply market conditions.

• Foster robust cross-functional relationships through collaboration with individuals from diverse backgrounds and organizational levels.

• Monitor market drivers impacting the category, such as raw material pricing and availability, supplier capacity, industry disruptions, and emerging products.

• Provide leadership and coaching by exemplifying expected behaviors, delivering constructive feedback, managing performance, and supporting additional responsibilities as assigned.

• Oversee the consumables purchasing team, ensuring the timely and cost-effective delivery of materials to meet project timelines and requirements.

⛳️ Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, construction management, or a related field, along with equivalent combinations of technical training and/or relevant experience.

• A minimum of 6 years of experience in strategically managing and expanding categories and suppliers, particularly with a strong focus on indirect materials and services categories.

• A valid driver’s license.

• Comprehensive understanding of consumables and the purchasing processes and procedures related to indirect materials and services.

• Strong business acumen, with skills in strategic thinking and negotiation.

• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.

• Proven leadership capability, with experience in hiring, coaching, and mentoring a professional team to anticipate needs and meet both short and long-term objectives.

• Ability to influence others without formal authority.

• Active listening skills combined with effective communication, including openness to diverse input and feedback.

• Familiarity with construction processes, equipment, materials, and the associated purchasing protocols.

• Proficient in negotiating, organizing, planning, and verbal communication skills.

• Willingness to travel up to 30% of the time.

• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment visa sponsorship.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical and prescription drug plans that include no-cost vision coverage.

• Dental plan.

• 401k retirement plan with a generous Mortenson match.

• Paid time off, holidays, and other paid leave options.

• Employer-paid life, AD&D, and disability insurance.

• Access to a no-cost mental health tool and concierge services with extensive work-life resources.

• Tuition reimbursement.

• Adoption assistance.

• Gym membership discount program.