Category Leader, MRO

About the role

Join Kohler Co. in a high-impact sourcing leadership role where you will shape strategy, influence operations, and deliver measurable business results across a complex North American manufacturing network.

Responsibilities

• Shape and execute category strategies for assigned MRO subcategories, delivering measurable cost savings, improved supplier performance, and stronger operational support across multiple Kohler plants.
• Leverage advanced expertise in OEM vs. distributor pricing and market dynamics, alongside deep command of global MRO supply networks across multiple regions and countries, to optimize sourcing strategies and deliver value.
• Lead high-visibility, end-to-end sourcing events, from spend analysis and supplier market evaluation through negotiations, supplier selection, and implementation, with clear savings and performance targets.
• Own supplier relationships for key MRO categories, including contract strategy, preferred supplier alignment, commercial negotiations, and performance management that improve value, service, and supply continuity.
• Drive transformation in a complex MRO environment by balancing strategic sourcing initiatives with real-time issue resolution that keeps operations running effectively.
• Partner with plant leaders, operations, maintenance, procurement, finance, and executive stakeholders to influence decisions, align on strategy, and accelerate adoption of sourcing improvements.
• Modernize and optimize supplier networks through rationalization, negotiation, and commercial strategy to unlock cost, efficiency, and service improvements at scale.
• Turn complex, imperfect spend data into actionable insights and sourcing strategies that support smart decisions, stronger supplier choices, and sustainable savings.
• Lead multiple initiatives across sites, share best practices, and help shape the future of MRO sourcing within a business that values ownership, results, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in business, Finance, Engineering, Materials Management, Supply Chain, or a related field is required. A master’s degree in business or a technical field is preferred.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of professional experience is required, including at least two (2) years in MRO or similar industrial categories.
• Candidates with experience in complex manufacturing, industrial distribution, plant operations, or strategic sourcing environments will be especially well-positioned for success.

Skills/Requirements

• Strategic & Financial Management: Experience managing $30M+ in annual expenditure, ideally within a broader MRO or industrial sourcing environment spanning multiple sites and stakeholders.
• Proven Success Leading Large Sourcing Events: Proven success leading large, high-value sourcing events and converting negotiations into realized savings and measurable business outcomes.
• TCO-Based Sourcing: Strong contracting and commercial acumen with experience in contracting, negotiation, and supplier agreements that drive both savings and operational performance.
• Supplier Engagement & Performance Management: Demonstrated ability to build strong supplier partnerships while driving accountability, performance, and continuous improvement across key categories.
• Operational Partnership: Record of working effectively across operations, procurement, finance, planning, and leadership to move initiatives forward and deliver results.
• Leadership, Ownership & Communication: High level of ownership, initiative, and strategic thinking, with the confidence to lead through ambiguity and drive meaningful change.
• Technical & Systems Knowledge: Strong analytical and Excel skills, including spend analysis and data interpretation, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a structured way.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $107,650 - $166,650. The specific salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate’s experience, their education, and the work location.

Schedule

Regular travel across Kohler sites is expected.