Category Buyer

Husqvarna Group•Olathe, KS

About The Position

Husqvarna Construction is hiring a Category Buyer in Olathe, Kansas. The role develops and executes strategic sourcing strategies to optimize the supply base, reduce Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and align sourcing with the company’s operational sustainability goals. It requires analytical, negotiation, and leadership capabilities to drive long-term value across the supply chain. The Category Buyer leads global and regional category strategies, supply market analysis, complex sourcing initiatives, contract negotiations, and sourcing activities for New Product Development and Supply, Processing, Distribution projects. The role also qualifies vendors, manages supplier contracts and performance, mitigates cost and supply risks, and collaborates with plant operations, logistics, quality, and engineering teams to meet procurement needs. The role requires at least five years of strategic buyer, category management, or relevant business experience, preferably in manufacturing, as well as demonstrated experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, and contract negotiation. A bachelor’s degree in Business or Supply Chain Management is preferred but not required.

Requirements

At least 5 years of strategic buyer, category management, or relevant business experience; manufacturing experience is preferred.
Proven experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, and contract negotiation.
Strong understanding of procurement best practices.
Ability to interpret complex data, uncover trends, identify root causes, and use analytical tools such as spend analysis and cost modeling to inform sourcing strategies.
Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong attention to detail and accountability; ability to multitask across multiple projects.
Ability to solve unfamiliar problems and troubleshoot independently.
Ability to lead change initiatives and align sourcing goals with business objectives.
Solid knowledge of AS400, MRP processes and basic inventory principles, SAP, and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
Strong negotiation skills and strategic mindset.
Strong customer service orientation.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Business or Supply Chain Management.
Experience in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement global and regional category strategies.
Conduct supply market analysis and lead complex, enterprise-wide sourcing initiatives and contract negotiations.
Drive sourcing activities in New Product Development and Supply, Processing, Distribution projects in alignment with category strategy.
Research, qualify, and assess potential vendors and their products and services; negotiate pricing and contract terms.
Apply Total Cost of Ownership principles to sourcing decisions.
Monitor commodity price trends and develop risk mitigation strategies.
Lead fact-based negotiations and commercial cost-reduction initiatives.
Track business trends, industry changes, cost drivers, pricing, market conditions, and economic indicators to identify new or alternative suppliers as needed.
Initiate, drive, and implement cost-saving initiatives while maintaining quality and service standards.
Manage contracts covering pricing, quality, delivery, and sustainability.
Ensure vendor agreements, including MSAs and SOWs, comply with internal ethical, environmental, and governance standards.
Foster strategic supplier relationships that support innovation and resilience.
Manage supplier performance within assigned categories, assess vendor viability and contract compliance, and ensure processes address vendor non-compliance.
Collaborate with Plant Operations, Logistics, Quality, and Engineering to understand needs and provide timely procurement solutions.
Support site-level needs and escalate issues as appropriate.