Senior Category Buyer

Brunswick Boat Group•Fond du Lac, WI

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Category Buyer is a key contributor in developing and executing strategic sourcing initiatives for their portfolio. This role actively collaborates with suppliers and internal stakeholders throughout the product lifecycle, from initial sourcing and development through serial production and service support. Activities strive to optimize product launch effectiveness, supplier cost and operational performance, innovation, and risk management in a dynamic global landscape.

Requirements

BS/BA in Engineering (preferred), Operations Management, Supply Chain, or a related field
Minimum of 7+ years of experience in sourcing, procurement, or supplier management roles
Proven success in project management and cross-functional team leadership
Excellent negotiating and cost management skills; adept at managing conflict and handling difficult situations
Strong data analysis abilities and software skills, including Microsoft Excel and Power BI; proficient with Word, PowerPoint, and Project
Proficient with engineering prints and specifications, APQP, and PPAP processes
Excellent time management and organization skills; able to manage multiple ongoing projects and adapt to changing business needs
Positive attitude, ethics, and international values to promote a healthy, diverse, high-performance culture
Possess strong communication skills, including written and verbal, as well as interpersonal skills
Occasional day and/or overnight travel, up to 25%, domestic and international.
This role may also require occasional calls outside of normal business hours to support global operations and supplier coordination.

Nice To Haves

Expertise in raw materials, manufacturing processes, and supply base for hydraulic components and/or marine propulsion system components
Experience in original equipment manufacturer (OEM) setting with comparable scale and requirements to Mercury
CPSM and/or CPIM certifications
Lean and Six Sigma certification and application experience

Responsibilities

Actively contribute to the development and execution of sourcing strategies aligned with category goals and broader business objectives in partnership with Engineering, Quality, Operations, Service, and Finance
Build strategic, long-term supplier partnerships focused on transparency, performance, and continuous improvement
Visit suppliers to assess capability, deepen category knowledge, and monitor market trends
Lead requests for quotation, analyze for competitiveness, negotiate terms, and make sourcing recommendations that balance cross-functional and strategic needs
Obtain supplier component feasibility studies and support APQP development processes
Continuously identify cost optimization and value engineering opportunities through “should cost” modeling and industry benchmarking
Process purchase requisitions and purchase orders for components and tooling
Ensure supplier capacity is aligned with business needs and delivery performance meets program and manufacturing schedules, drive resolution to chronic performance issues
Provide effective analysis, forecasting, and implementation of cost changes
Manage component tooling lifecycle for accurate budgeting of costs and timely maintenance or replacement
Support commercial recovery of excess costs resulting from supplier performance issues
Lead supplier business reviews to align expectations, develop new opportunities, and drive continuous improvement
Manage and execute projects successfully with strong planning, attention to detail, risk management, and communication
Manage component change requests for effective disposition and execution
Monitor supply base risks, proactively plan and execute mitigations