Associate Category Specialist

About the role

Hypertherm Associates is seeking an Associate Category Specialist to support procurement of industrial materials and equipment—including electronics, tooling, and capital equipment—for the Waterjet team in Kent, Washington (with an alternate location in New Brighton, MN). In this role you will assess and mitigate risk, support new product introduction (NPI) activities, cultivate and execute cost‑savings initiatives, and drive process and procurement improvements while working with a 100% associate‑owned company that has maintained a no‑layoff philosophy for over 55 years. The position involves up to 10% domestic travel.

Responsibilities

• Support the team in helping ensure materials are delivered on time, at the best available price, and meet quality requirements
• Work with guidance from experienced team members to communicate with suppliers about pricing, deliveries, inventory changes, and product updates
• Gather and share supplier performance information to support sourcing decisions, team discussions, and follow‑up actions
• Assist with identifying, tracking, and documenting cost‑saving opportunities for current manufacturing and future projects
• Create and update purchase orders and related documentation by following established processes and guidance
• Support contract compliance, invoicing questions, and Engineering Change Order activities by reviewing information and tracking details with guidance
• Participate in cross‑functional meetings and cost reduction projects by completing assigned tasks, gathering data, and supporting project follow‑up

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related discipline with 2‑3 years of supply chain experience

Skills

• Proven analytical skills (cost/benefit analysis, make/buy decision‑modeling, etc.)
• Strong written and verbal presentation and communication skills
• Proven experience in contract development and negotiation skills
• Strong attention to detail

Qualifications

• ISM and/or APICS certification
• Green/Black Belt Certified
• Knowledge of Lean/JIT Methodology
• Knowledge of Purchasing modules in Oracle or similar ERP system

Benefits

• Global, 100% employee‑owned company for over 55 years
• Profit‑Sharing Employee Stock Ownership
• Five days/year Community Service Time
• Strong commitment to Environmental Stewardship
• Stable, growing organization with a no‑layoff philosophy

Pay

$72,828.00‑$121,377.00 Annual (base pay range; actual pay varies based on relevant experience, skills, education, and other factors)