Category Buyer

Husqvarna Group•Olathe, KS

23h

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 with the company’s operational sustainability goals. It calls for advanced analytical, negotiation, and leadership skills to drive long-term supply-chain value. The Category Buyer leads strategic sourcing and category initiatives, manages cost and supply risks, and builds supplier relationships while ensuring contractual and compliance requirements are met. The role also works closely with Plant Operations, Logistics, Quality, and Engineering to understand business needs and provide timely procurement solutions. Applications are accepted continuously.

Requirements

At least 5 years of Strategic Buyer, Category Management, or relevant business experience; manufacturing-environment experience is preferred.
Proven experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, and contract negotiation.
Strong understanding of procurement best practices.
Ability to interpret complex data, identify trends and root causes, and use analytical tools such as spend analysis and cost modeling to inform sourcing strategies.
Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
High attention to detail and accountability.
Ability to multitask across multiple projects while maintaining focus.
Ability to solve unfamiliar problems and troubleshoot independently.
Solid knowledge of AS400, MRP processes, basic inventory principles, SAP, and Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
Solid negotiation skills and strategic mindset.
Solid customer-service orientation.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Business or Supply Chain Management is preferred but not required.
Experience in a manufacturing environment is preferred.

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 (NPD) and Supply, Processing, Distribution (SPD) projects in alignment with category strategy.
Research and qualify potential vendors, assess their products and services, and negotiate pricing and contract terms.
Apply TCO principles to sourcing decisions.
Monitor commodity price trends and develop risk-mitigation strategies.
Lead fact-based negotiations and commercial cost-reduction initiatives.
Maintain awareness of business trends, industry changes, cost drivers, pricing, market conditions, and economic indicators to identify new or alternative suppliers.
Initiate, drive, and implement cost-saving initiatives while maintaining quality and service standards.
Manage contracts covering pricing, quality, delivery, and sustainability.
Develop and ensure appropriate vendor agreements, such as MSAs and SOWs, are in place and comply with internal ethical, environmental, and governance standards.
Foster strategic supplier relationships to support innovation and resilience.
Manage supplier performance within assigned categories, assess vendor viability and contractual compliance, and ensure processes address vendor non-compliance.
Collaborate and communicate with Plant Operations, Logistics, Quality, and Engineering to understand needs and provide timely procurement solutions.
Support site-level needs and escalate issues as appropriate.
Lead change initiatives and align sourcing goals with business objectives.