Category Manager

Category Manager

About Mesa Power Solutions
Mesa Power Solutions is a fast-growing U.S. manufacturer delivering reliable, responsible power systems to industrial markets nationwide. We engineer and build advanced, sound-attenuated, temperature-controlled generator sets designed to perform in the toughest environments. Backed by industry-leading service and real-time telemetry technology, we give our customers the confidence and visibility they need to keep critical operations running.
At Mesa, people come first. We are committed to building a workplace where employees feel safe, respected, and valued and where performance, accountability, and professional growth are recognized and rewarded. Our A.D.A.P.T. values drive everything we do. We are:
Action-Oriented. Disciplined. Accountable. Passionate. Trustworthy.

What We Offer

• Competitive base pay
• 401(k) plan
• Generous paid time off - including vacation, holidays, parental leave, and bereavement
• 100% employer-paid Health, Dental, and Vision insurance for employees and their dependents
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage
• Critical Illness and Accident insurance
• Annual Evaluations with the opportunity for a pay increase based on performance

We invest in our people because they are the foundation of our success.

Employment Requirements
Safety is a core value at Mesa. Positions identified as safety-sensitive require initial drug screening as a condition of employment, and employees in those roles may be subject to random testing in accordance with company policy.

If you're ready to do meaningful work, grow professionally, and be part of a team that's powering critical industries nationwide, this is your opportunity.
Join Mesa Power Solutions and help us build the future of reliable power.

Job Summary
The Category Manager leads strategic sourcing, contracts, supplier relationships, and continuous improvement for categories supporting gas engine power generation equipment across multiple US manufacturing sites. This role drives quality, delivery, risk mitigation, total cost of ownership and supplier innovation aligned to corporate goals.

Essential Duties

• Develop and execute category strategies (total cost of ownership focus) for mechanical, electrical, fuel-system, and ancillary components used in gas engine power generation
• Lead strategic sourcing processes: market analysis, RFx design and execution, supplier selection, commercial evaluation, and implementation
• Negotiate, establish, and manage master agreements, long-term supply contracts, and service agreements; ensure commercial terms, KPIs, SLAs, and risk clauses protect the company
• Own supplier relationship management (SRM): performance reviews, corrective action, development plans, scorecards, and escalation management
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers and internal stakeholders to reduce cost, improve quality, shorten lead times, and increase first-pass yield
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, quality, logistics, and finance to ensure parts/specifications meet manufacturing requirements and change-control processes are followed
• Manage supplier risk (financial, capacity, single-source exposure) and develop mitigation strategies including dual-sourcing, safety stock, and contingency planning
• Lead cross-functional sourcing projects, capital equipment purchases, and new product introduction (NPI) sourcing activities
• Maintain accurate category spend, savings tracking, and supplier performance metrics; report monthly to procurement leadership
• Ensure compliance with corporate procurement policies, export controls, and relevant regulations
• All other duties assigned.

Education
Required

• 4 Year / Bachelors Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field from an accredited university.

Preferred

• Graduate Degree - MBA or relevant advanced degree.

Experience
Required

• 5 years of procurement/category management experience in industrial manufacturing, heavy equipment, or power generation.

Preferred

• 8 years of procurement/category management experience in industrial manufacturing, heavy equipment, or power generation
• 5 years with gas engines or rotating equipment.
• Honorably discharged service veterans are preferred.

Certifications, Licenses & Registrations

• None

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Deep knowledge of gas engine power generation equipment, major components (engines, alternators, controls), aftermarket parts, and relevant manufacturing processes
• Strong understanding of strategic sourcing, category management, supplier segmentation, and total-cost-of-ownership principles
• Familiarity with contract law basics, commercial terms, warranty provisions, and procurement compliance
• Knowledge of quality systems and standards applicable to power generation equipment (e.g., ISO, API, vendor quality requirements)
• Working knowledge of inventory management, MRP/ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or equivalent), and demand planning processes
• Understanding of supply chain risk management, logistics, and import/export considerations
• Advanced negotiation and contract drafting skills with demonstrated ability to secure favorable commercial terms and risk allocation
• Strategic sourcing skills: supplier market analysis, RFx management, make-vs-buy decisions, and cost modeling
• Data analysis and financial acumen: ability to analyze spend, create cost models, quantify savings, and present ROI
• Supplier performance management skills: scorecards, root-cause analysis, corrective action, and continuous improvement facilitation
• Project management skills: plan and execute complex sourcing projects on time and within scope
• Effective communication and stakeholder management: present to senior leadership, influence cross-functional teams, and manage supplier relationships
• Proficiency with procurement and analytics tools (e.g. e-sourcing platforms, spend analytics, Excel advanced functions or similar)
• Ability to travel to multiple U.S. sites and supplier locations as required
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive change in a matrixed organization
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making under ambiguity and time constraints
• Ability to prioritize multiple categories and projects while maintaining attention to detail
• Capacity to mentor and build capability within procurement and operations teams
• Ability to manage confidential and commercially sensitive information with integrity
• Must be able to fluently speak, write, and read in English.

Culture Expectations

• Action-oriented: Self-motivated, problem solver, takes initiative when issues arise, acting quickly and responding accordingly.
• Disciplined: Focused, consistently following through with dedication to achieve high standards even when no one is watching.
• Accountable: Takes ownership and accountability for your actions, good and bad.
• Passionate: Passionate about what they do and who they work for, by bringing enthusiasm and commitment to every task and team.
• Trustworthy: Reliable and honest, building confidence through integrity and consistent performance.

Physical Demands

Constant

• Sitting
• Seeing (Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus)
• Hearing
• Use hands to type, touch, handle, or feel

Frequent

• Talking

Occasional

• Walking or moving throughout facility
• Standing

Working Conditions

Constant

• Minimal safety hazards; general office working conditions.

Occasional

• Travel is anticipated up to 25%.

Equipment & Software

• Computer
• Phone
• Microsoft applications
• ERP Systems

Additional Job Requirements

• Willing to consent to and pass a background check and drug screening.
• Willing to travel occasionally.
• Willing to work Monday-Friday (set schedule).
• Possess a customer focused attitude, with high level of professionalism and discretion.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Less than 3 Direct Reports

Mesa Power Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, citizenship status, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability or any other legally protected status. EOE/M/F/D/V