Category Buyer - Cowl Systems

Brunswick

  • Fond du Lac, WI
  • $72,000-115,300 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 7 days ago
Are you ready for what’s next?Come explore opportunities within committed to challenging conventions and innovating next-generation technologies that transform experiences on the water and beyond. Brunswick believes “Next Never Rests™,” and we offer a variety of exciting careers and growth opportunities within united teams defining the future of marine recreation.Innovation is the heart of Brunswick. See how your contributions will help transform vision into reality:Position Overview:The Category Buyer is a key individual contributor in Mercury’s global direct material procurement organization, focused on highly engineered and complex cowl systems. Reporting to the Category Manager, the Category Buyer helps develop and execute sourcing and supplier management strategies to continuously improve cost competitiveness, quality, delivery, and innovation to support Mercury’s global manufacturing operations and product development efforts.At Brunswick, we have passion for our work and a distinct ability to deliver.Key Responsibilities:Supplier ManagementProactively build and maintain constructive business relationships with suppliers and internal customers to understand needs and facilitate collaboration across all stakeholders to deliver expected results. Demonstrated behaviors should include the ability to effectively:
  • Proactively support the Category Team in strategy development, execution, and communication
  • Visit current and potential suppliers to audit capabilities, build personal category expertise, and stay closely connected to state of their business, operations, industries, and markets
  • Conduct in-person business reviews with suppliers to drive engagement and execution of continuous improvement activities
  • Facilitate Requests for Quote, analyze quotations, and build supplier selection recommendations inclusive of total landed costs, supplier capabilities, and category strategies
  • For new or changing component designs, obtain supplier quotations and robust component feasibility input to ensure that costs are fully understood and manufacturability fully addressed prior to award or kickoff
  • Execute purchase orders, requisitions, and appropriation requests for the purchasing of tooling, components, and services as required
  • Drive continuous improvement in supplier performance for quality, delivery and cost, leveraging Mercury’s Supplier Progress Review system
Project ManagementManage projects in a collaborative, thorough, and detail-oriented manner to ensure that quality, cost, and timing deliverables are met or exceeded. Demonstrated behaviors should include the ability to effectively:
  • Utilize effective project management tools to ensure timely delivery of responsibilities
  • Manage changes as required, Mercury or supplier driven, with effective communication and execution via Mercury’s change management processes
  • Develop, align, monitor, and communicate project schedules with suppliers and internal stakeholders to manage risk and ensure on-time execution
Cost ManagementDrive cost optimization for Mercury in all sourcing and supplier management activities. Demonstrated behaviors should include the ability to effectively:
  • Conduct in-depth analysis of supplier proposals to ensure alignment with contractual terms and conditions and reasonableness based on industry benchmark tools and/or Should Cost models
  • Manage tooling lifecycle and costs with assigned suppliers, supported by detailed plans for tool life expectancy, condition monitoring, and plans for timely repair, refurbishment, or replacement that ensures continuity of quality supply
  • Support processes to quantify and recover excess costs resulting from supplier performance issues
  • Negotiate to obtain the best possible commercial outcome for Mercury in all endeavors
  • Support accurate reporting of financials with timely and accurate forecasting of potential future cost changes and diligent use of Mercury’s processes for managing orders and changes
CollaborationProactively engage all internal and external stakeholders with a positive attitude, effective communication, and a drive that builds mutually beneficial outcomes aligned with Mercury’s strategic needs. Demonstrated behaviors should include the ability to effectively:
  • Demonstrate a high level of personal integrity, procurement/category credibility, and focus on common goals that builds trust with stakeholders
  • Support and actively participate in cross-functional discussions with suppliers
  • Participate in the decisions being made as part of the team and ensure procurement objectives are understood and aligned cross-functionally
  • Drive proactive communication of current concerns and emerging issues across all stakeholders, facilitate plans to resolve
  • Collaborate with the category leader to develop, align, communicate, and champion strategies
Diversity of thought and experiences is fundamental when imagining the unimaginable. Certain skillsets/experiences are necessary; however, others can be developed along the way.Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or related field
  • 5+ years of experience in supply chain management or engineering
  • Strong technical understanding of highly engineered components
  • Proven negotiation skills and experience managing complex supplier relationships
  • Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP), sourcing tools, and data analytics platforms
  • Excellent communication, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with global sourcing and supplier development
  • APICS, CPSM, CPIM or Six Sigma certification is a preferred
The anticipated pay range for this position is $72,000 to $115,300 annually. The actual base pay offered will vary depending on multiple factors including job- related knowledge/skills, relevant experience, business needs, and geographic location. In addition to base pay, this position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.At Brunswick, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top end of the salary range for their role. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the specifics of the candidate’s qualifications and the business context.This position is eligible to participate in Brunswick's comprehensive and high-quality benefits offerings, including medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, 401k (up to 4% match), Health Savings Account (with company contribution), well-being program, product purchase discounts and much more. Details about our benefits can be found .Why Brunswick:Whatever tomorrow brings, we’ll be at the leading edge. As the clear leader in the marine industry, we’re committed to our values and supporting our exceptional people. We offer and encourage growth opportunities within and across our many brands. In addition, we’re proud of being recognized for making a splash with !About Mercury Marine:Headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Mercury Marine® is the world’s leading manufacturer of recreational marine propulsion engines. A division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), Mercury provides engines, boats, services and parts for recreational, commercial and government marine applications. Mercury empowers boaters with products that are easy to use, extremely reliable and backed by the most dedicated customer support in the world. The company’s industry-leading brand portfolio includes Mercury outboard engines, Mercury MerCruiser® sterndrive and inboard packages, Mercury propellers, Mercury inflatable boats, Mercury SmartCraft® electronics, Land 'N' Sea marine parts distribution and Mercury and Quicksilver® parts and oils. More information is available at MercuryMarine.comNext is Now!We value growth and development, recognizing that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying.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. If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact for support.For more information about EEO laws, - clickand Privacy PoliciesBrunswick does not accept applications, inquiries or solicitations from unapproved staffing agencies or vendors. For help, please contact our support team at: or 866-278-6942.All job offers will come to you via the candidate portal you create when applying through a posted position through . If you are ever unsure about what is being required of you during the application process or its source, please contact HR Shared Services at 866-278-6942 or .#Brunswick Corporation - Mercury Marine

Brunswick