
Category Buyer - Fuel & Air Systems
- Fond du Lac, WI
- $72,000-115,300 per year
- Permanent
- Full-time
Develop and execute category strategies for fuel and air systems aligned with corporate objectives, product roadmaps, and cost targets.Technical Expertise:
Leverage deep technical knowledge of fuel pumps, injectors, air filters, manifolds, and related components to evaluate supplier capabilities, assess product innovations, and support engineering in design decisions.Supplier Management & Negotiation:
Lead supplier selection, RFQ processes, and commercial negotiations to secure best-in-class pricing, terms, and performance. Drive cost reduction initiatives through value engineering and competitive benchmarking.Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Partner with engineering, quality, and manufacturing teams to ensure supplier alignment with technical specifications, quality standards, and production timelines. Act as a key liaison between suppliers and internal stakeholders.Risk Management & Compliance:
Monitor market trends, supply risks, and regulatory changes affecting fuel and air systems. Ensure compliance with corporate policies, environmental standards, and industry regulations.Market Intelligence & Risk Management:
Monitor market trends, commodity pricing, and geopolitical risks to proactively manage supply chain disruptions and opportunities.Contract Management:
Lead contract development, execution, and compliance for assigned categories, ensuring alignment with legal and corporate standards.Performance Tracking & Reporting:
Track category KPIs including cost savings, supplier performance, and sourcing cycle times. Provide regular updates to Category Manager and senior leadership.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 Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field; Master’s or MBA preferred
- 5+ years of experience in strategic sourcing or category management, preferably in automotive or industrial sectors
- Strong technical understanding of fuel and air system components and manufacturing processes
- Proven negotiation skills with a track record of delivering cost savings and value creation
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Proficiency in procurement tools (e.g., SAP, Ariba) and data analysis
- Experience with global sourcing and supplier development
- Knowledge of regulatory and compliance standards related to engine components
- APICS, CPSM, or Six Sigma certification is a plus