Associate Category Manager

This position supports Malibu Boats, Inc. (MBI) by executing minor categories or commodities and assisting with procurement for one or more business units.

Responsibilities

• Assist in defining, recommending, and implementing category and supplier strategies aligned with corporate and business unit objectives.
• Build strategic supplier relationships and understand market dynamics to inform strategy.
• Support supplier selection through RFIs, RFQs, RFPs, or other procurement tools.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to develop product or system specifications for sourcing.
• Summarize, articulate, and present source selection recommendations to diverse audiences.
• Anticipate supply market changes and align activities with internal business partner recommendations.
• Promote cooperation and communication between internal stakeholders and participating entities.
• Assist in negotiations for pricing and business terms, culminating in supply agreements.
• Support supplier on-boarding with MBI business units as required.
• Interact with internal reporting systems to mine data and engage with suppliers.
• Identify supply chain risks and develop or recommend mitigation strategies.
• Create and update supplier lists according to category strategy.
• Investigate and execute cost-saving opportunities through alternative or current sources.
• Utilize project tracking tools to ensure timely execution and document performance.
• Work as part of a cross-functional team and facilitate communications between suppliers and internal teams.
• Support the transition of suppliers or parts to business unit purchasing teams.
• Perform other assigned tasks.

Requirements

• Basic understanding of supply chain principles, processes, and practices.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP and inventory control principles.
• Ability to assimilate requirements and communicate them to internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills for cost analysis and management.
• Skills in strategic deployment and supplier relationship management.
• Market and industry analysis skills, including knowledge of supply markets.
• Ability to read and interpret business documents, drawings, and data.
• Proficiency in making calculations (e.g., discounts, freight estimates, dimensional weight, invoices, percentages).
• Knowledge of general business software and aptitude for learning new applications.
• Advanced use of technology (e.g., spreadsheets, email, word processing, presentation software).
• Ability to use AI tools (e.g., Claude, CoPilot) to enhance work quality without compromising confidential data.
• Ability to learn and utilize ERP system modules.
• Influence others to support ideas, programs, or causes that elevate MBI.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, or a related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
• One or more years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and experience.
• Supply chain experience in a fast-paced, engineering-driven manufacturing environment is a plus.

Skills

• Language Skills: Strong communication skills across various mediums. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business documents, professional journals, technical documents, and reports. Ability to write reports, correspondence, and procedures. Ability to present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, suppliers, and internal customers. Ability to conduct meetings in person and virtually.
• Mathematical Skills: Ability to perform calculations involving whole numbers, fractions, decimals, volumes, quantities, discounts, proportions, and percentages. Ability to use data for business decisions, including multi-currency and unit-of-measure operations.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems with limited standardization and interpret instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Physical Demands

• Sits for 7 hours per day.
• Walks for 1 hour per day.
• Lifts and carries up to 20 lbs frequently, 2 lbs occasionally, and 5 lbs occasionally.
• Performs repetitive hand activities: simple grasping (frequent), pushing/pulling (occasional), fine manipulation (frequent).
• Performs repetitive foot activities (occasional).
• Engages in bending at the waist (occasional), squatting (occasional), climbing ladders/stairs (occasional), and kneeling (occasional).
• Reaches above shoulder level (occasional).

Work Environment

• Typical 8–10 hour workdays, 4–5 day workweek, with occasional to frequent overtime.
• Required to work indoors year-round in all weather conditions.
• Some travel may be required.
• May work during production shutdowns or off-schedule periods for special activities.

Competencies

• Ability to work independently or as part of a team, in person or remotely.
• Accountable, dependable, adaptable, and flexible.
• Curious, competitive, and a creative/innovative thinker.
• Tenacious, driven, and demonstrates strong decision-making and judgment.
• Good conflict resolution skills and maintains ethics and integrity.
• Builds relationships and maintains an objective, neutral stance in negotiations.
• Leads by example and sets professional standards.
• Demonstrates accuracy, thoroughness, and applies feedback to improve performance.
• Consistently attends work on time and complies with attendance policies.
• Takes responsibility for actions and is honest.