Senior Category Manager

Who We Are: Thank you for your interest in Mueller Water Products, Inc. For more than 165 years, Mueller Water Products, Inc. has been building the future of water infrastructure. From lifesaving fire protection to data intelligence, we are committed to developing products and solutions that help cities and utilities deliver clean, safe drinking water to hundreds of millions of people across North America. Our purpose is to connect communities to water, life’s most essential resource, with exceptional, people solutions and products. Behind that purpose is a dedicated team, united by our shared values of respect, integrity, trust, inclusion and safety. With a vision to be the leader in water infrastructure solutions—solving challenges, enriching lives and safeguarding the future—we are making a positive impact that will last for generations. We champion our people because when they succeed, our communities thrive. We invite you to learn more about career opportunities with us and consider submitting your application. Category Manager The Category Manager will play a pivotal role as our subject matter expert for supply chains which include a variety of industrial and/or electronics components. The position navigates across supply categories and business units engaging and leading cross-functional teams to deliver the business needs. The Category Manager will be involved in multiple categories, based on strength and experiences of the applicant. Background in industrial manufacturing sourcing, and/or electronics is preferred. Be a business partner for the assigned Category, and Mueller Operations capturing the business needs, and pursuing it as expected. Manage an annual turnover in spend, create and implement source strategies supported by a strong understanding of Mueller business. Manage price/cost according to the company’s objectives and market fluctuations. Supplier relationship management for strategic accounts. Develop and manage supplier contracts. Understand the business demand and identify suppliers that exercise the Mueller’s production planning, review supplier capacity, inventory and buy ahead. Report (as required) status and support project team meetings, value stream meetings, steering committee meetings and stakeholders. Lead the supplier development process when appropriate managing risk, developing supplier capabilities & quality and leading corrective actions. Support Mueller’s supply chain risk management program, identifying risks and leading projects towards continuous risk reduction. Ensure suppliers comply to Mueller’s requirements and policies. Remain knowledgeable about all aspects of the value stream supply chain which includes economic & supply chain trends, technologies, legislation, environmental aspects, global tariffs, etc. Ability to manage/lead through influence Ability to develop/create/manage RFP/RFQ process Ability to advance plan, organize, and prioritize workload in order to meet project deadlines Global and diversity mindset. Risk awareness and mitigation Ability to learn quickly and manage sourcing activities in multiple purchasing groups as needed (technologies, manufacturing, services, foundry, fabrication, raw materials…) BA or BS in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business Management, or relevant area Current benefit offerings include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k plan with 5% Company match, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability benefits, vacation, 100% paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement program, student debt retirement matching, well-being program, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company-provided life insurance, supplemental insurance at group rates, and more. Mueller Water Products, Inc., All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or expression), age, national origin, disability, citizenship status (except as authorized by law), protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In keeping with its obligations under applicable federal, state, and local law, Mueller will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or interview process, please contact a member of the Human Resources Department. E-Verify is a web-based system that allows employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. The system compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records. This notice applies to all applicants and employees, including those hired to work remotely. Upon enrollment, employers participating in E-Verify are required to clearly display the Notice of E-Verify Participation and Right to Work posters in English and Spanish, both which may be accessed at the links provided below. IER Right to Work Poster (English/Spanish) E-Verify Participation Poster (English/Spanish) If you require accommodations during any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know.