Category Buyer

Are you ready for whats next

Come explore opportunities within Brunswick a global marine leader committed to challenging conventions and innovating next-generation technologies that transform experiences on the water and beyond. Brunswick believes Next Never Rests and we offer a variety of exciting careers and growth opportunities within united teams defining the future of marine recreation.

Location: Fond du Lac WI

Workplace Category: Hybrid

Travel Required: Regular

Direct Reports: No

Pay Range: $73600 $106200

Visa Sponsorship: Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Relocation: Yes

Innovation is the heart of Brunswick. See how your contributions will help transform vision into reality

The Category Buyer/Sourcing Specialist is a critical individual contributor role in Mercurys direct material procurement organization. Reporting to the Category Manager the Category Buyer/ Sourcing Specialist builds and manages supplier relationships and drives continuous improvements in cost competitiveness quality delivery and innovation to support Mercurys global manufacturing operations and product development teams.

At Brunswick we have passion for our work and a distinct ability to deliver.

Essential Functions:

• Collaboration: engage ethically professionally and collaboratively with all internal and external stakeholders to execute purchasing responsibilities and maintain effective business relationships
• Supplier Management: build effective strategic relationships with suppliers clearly and consistently communicating expectations leading business reviews and keeping suppliers accountable to performance
• Source: create and execute component sourcing strategies to meet requirements for technology quality cost timing and risk management in alignment with the categorys long term strategic objectives
• Order Management: execute requests for quote issue and manage component and tooling purchase orders for assigned components
• Cost Management: proactively identify and execute cost reduction projects and effectively negotiate and mitigate supplier price increase requests to secure the best value for Mercury. Manage purchase order pricing including scheduled reviews and updates based on pricing agreements. Resolve invoicing/payment issues as needed. Monitor critical input costs for assigned categories such as currency exchange rates and raw materials.
• Change Management: execute change management processes to achieve timely and effective disposition and execution
• Supply: ensure continuity of supply supporting escalation of supplier delivery or quality problems and ensuring suppliers perform to resolve
• Continuous Improvement: identify and execute continuous improvement projects to increase supplier performance levels and value and to improve internal business processes year-over-year
• Travel: regularly visit suppliers to audit capabilities and conduct business/program reviews
• Category expertise: build category expertise over time that supports contributions as a highly valued advisor from the perspective of cross-functional customers and supports robust category strategy development

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

• BS/BA in Engineering preferred Operations Management Supply Chain or similar field
• 3 years of experience in sourcing procurement or supplier management roles
• Excellent negotiating and cost management skills; adept at managing conflict and handling difficult situations
• Excellent data analysis abilities and software skills including Microsoft Excel Power BI; proficient with Word PowerPoint Project
• Proficient with engineering prints and specifications APQP and PPAP processes
• Excellent time management and organization skills able to comfortably manage multiple ongoing projects prioritize and adapt in response to changing business needs
• Positive attitude ethics and international values to promote a healthy diverse high-performance culture
• Occasional day and/or overnight travel up to 20% domestic and international

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in raw materials manufacturing processes and supply base for engine components and/or marine propulsion system components
• Experience in original equipment manufacturer setting with comparable scale and requirements to Mercury
• C.P.M. and/or CPIM certifications
• Lean and Six Sigma certification and application experience

The hiring range for this position is $73600 to $106200 annually. The actual base pay offered will vary based on multiple factors including job-related knowledge/skills relevant experience business needs and geographic location. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the specifics of the candidates qualifications and the business context.

In addition to base pay this position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. This position is eligible to participate in Brunswicks comprehensive and high-quality benefits offerings including medical dental vision paid vacation 401k (up to 4% match) Health Savings Account (with company contribution) well-being program product purchase discounts and much more. Details about our benefits can be found here.

Why Brunswick:

Brunswick Corporation is a leader in the marine industry and were looking for people just like you to take part in the movement towards better boating for all. We rely on the thoughtful input of people from all backgrounds to create compelling innovative products for our customers around the globe. As such diversity equity and inclusion are priorities in the enduring culture of our company. As a world leader in emerging recreational products and technologies when you join our team you become part of some of the most innovative forward-looking brands in the marine industry today.

About Mercury Marine:

Headquartered in Fond du Lac Wisconsin Mercury Marine is the worlds leading manufacturer of recreational marine propulsion engines. A division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC) Mercury provides engines boats services and parts for recreational commercial and government marine applications. Mercury empowers boaters with products that are easy to use extremely reliable and backed by the most dedicated customer support in the world. The companys industry-leading brand portfolio includes Mercury outboard engines Mercury MerCruiser sterndrive and inboard packages Mercury propellers Mercury inflatable boats Mercury SmartCraft electronics Land N Sea marine parts distribution and Mercury and Quicksilver parts and oils. More information is available at .

Next is Now!

We value growth and development recognizing that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here please still consider applying.

Brunswick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin age disability protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local law. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is key to innovation and inspiration and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. If you require accommodation during the application or interview process please contact for support.

For more information about EEO laws - click here

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Brunswick does not accept applications inquiries or solicitations from unapproved staffing agencies or vendors. For help please contact our support team at: or .

All job offers will come to you via the candidate portal you create when applying through a posted position through https:/// If you are ever unsure about what is being required of you during the application process or its source please contact HR Shared Services at or .