Category Buyer

Category Buyer/Sourcing Specialist Location: Fond du Lac, WI Workplace Category: Hybrid Travel Required: Regular Direct Reports: No Pay Range: $73,600 – $106,200 annually Visa Sponsorship: Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship now or in the future. Relocation: Yes The Category Buyer/Sourcing Specialist is a critical individual contributor role in Mercury’s direct material procurement organization. Reporting to the Category Manager, the Category Buyer/Sourcing Specialist builds and manages supplier relationships and drives continuous improvements in cost competitiveness, quality, delivery, and innovation to support Mercury’s global manufacturing operations and product development teams. Essential Functions Collaboration : engage ethically, professionally, and collaboratively with all internal and external stakeholders to execute purchasing responsibilities and maintain effective business relationships Supplier Management : build effective strategic relationships with suppliers, clearly and consistently communicating expectations, leading business reviews, and keeping suppliers accountable to performance Source : create and execute component sourcing strategies to meet requirements for technology, quality, cost, timing, and risk management in alignment with the category’s long term strategic objectives Order Management : execute requests for quote, issue and manage component and tooling purchase orders for assigned components Cost Management : proactively identify and execute cost reduction projects, and effectively negotiate and mitigate supplier price increase requests to secure the best value for Mercury. Manage purchase order pricing, including scheduled reviews and updates based on pricing agreements. Resolve invoicing/payment issues as needed. Monitor critical input costs for assigned categories, such as currency exchange rates and raw materials. Change Management : execute change management processes to achieve timely and effective disposition and execution Supply : ensure continuity of supply, supporting escalation of supplier delivery or quality problems and ensuring suppliers perform to resolve Continuous Improvement : identify and execute continuous improvement projects to increase supplier performance levels and value, and to improve internal business processes year-over-year Travel : regularly visit suppliers to audit capabilities and conduct business/program reviews Category expertise : build category expertise over time that supports contributions as a highly valued advisor from the perspective of cross-functional customers, and supports robust category strategy development Required Qualifications BS/BA in Engineering preferred, Operations Management, Supply Chain or similar field 3+ years of experience in sourcing, procurement, or supplier management roles Excellent negotiating and cost management skills; adept at managing conflict and handling difficult situations Excellent data analysis abilities and software skills, including Microsoft Excel, Power BI; proficient with Word, PowerPoint, Project Proficient with engineering prints and specifications, APQP, and PPAP processes Excellent time management and organization skills, able to comfortably manage multiple ongoing projects, prioritize and adapt in response to changing business needs Positive attitude, ethics, and international values to promote a healthy, diverse, high-performance culture Occasional day and/or overnight travel, up to 20%, domestic and international Preferred Qualifications Expertise in raw materials, manufacturing processes, and supply base for engine components and/or marine propulsion system components Experience in original equipment manufacturer setting with comparable scale and requirements to Mercury C.P.M. and/or CPIM certifications Lean and Six Sigma certification and application experience Benefits 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, 401(k) (up to 4% match), Health Savings Account (with company contribution), well-being program, product purchase discounts and much more. Equal Opportunity Employer Brunswick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is key to innovation and inspiration and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr