Category Manager

Graco

82d • $74,100 - $129,600

About The Position

Graco manufactures and markets premium equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray a wide variety of fluid and powder materials. The Category Manager will lead procurement activities across Capital Expenditures (CapEx), Corporate Marketing, Human Resources, and Professional Services categories. This role is pivotal in delivering cost optimization, innovation, and operational excellence across high-impact indirect spend areas. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in category management, sourcing, and contract management, with a strong ability to collaborate cross-functionally and influence at all levels of the organization. You will use market intelligence, data-driven insights, and sourcing best practices to enhance supplier performance, mitigate risk, negotiate favorable contracts, and unlock business value.

Requirements

• BA/BS degree in Business, Economics, Supply Chain, MIS, or equivalent.
• MBA preferred.
• 5+ years of strategic sourcing or category management experience, preferably in CapEx machinery/robotics/automation, Marketing, or Human Resources.
• Strong knowledge of Professional Services contracts.
• Demonstrated success in negotiating complex contracts, managing vendor performance, and delivering measurable cost optimization.
• Adaptability to changing business conditions.
• Great project management and influence skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute multi-year category strategies for CapEx, Marketing, and Human Resources, aligning with corporate objectives.
• Conduct market intelligence, spend analysis, and supplier benchmarking to identify cost-saving opportunities, vendor consolidation, innovation potential, and risk mitigation.
• Partner with business stakeholders to define sourcing roadmaps, renewal plans, and total cost of ownership (TCO) objectives.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing initiatives (RFI/RFP), including development of business requirements, evaluation criteria, contract award recommendations, and supplier onboarding.
• Drive commercial negotiations, including pricing, SLAs, data privacy, intellectual property, and liability terms.
• Identify and implement opportunities for strategic supplier rationalization, demand management, and cost avoidance.
• Act as the primary procurement advisor to stakeholders in Operations, Marketing, Human Resources, Engineering, and other functions.
• Build strong cross-functional partnerships and lead business alignment on sourcing strategies, supplier selections, and contract terms.
• Oversee and manage complex supplier relationships, ensuring performance against SLAs, KPIs, and compliance obligations.
• Support contract renewals and renegotiations to optimize spend and reduce commercial and legal risk.
• Track and report key procurement metrics such as cost optimization (savings/avoidance), contract coverage, supplier performance, and project timelines.
• Stay current on technology trends, industry benchmarks, and innovations in procurement and categories assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Stock purchase plan
• 401(k)
• Tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees