Global Category Manager

About the company

INNIO Group is a global distributed energy solutions provider that delivers reliable, flexible, transient, decentralized, modular and efficient power. With a track record of innovation, INNIO designs, manufactures and services high-performance power systems under its Jenbacher and Waukesha brands. The company delivers power for applications including data centers, microgrids, grid stabilization, industrial energy and gas compression. INNIO operates a global installed base across approximately 100 countries, supported by a resilient, high-margin services business that delivers long-term, recurring revenues across the full equipment lifecycle.

As electricity demand accelerates—driven by AI, electrification and grid constraints—INNIO enables scalable, behind-the-meter power generation with high efficiency, fast start capability, strong transient performance and fuel flexibility, including hydrogen-ready solutions. INNIO employs over 5,000 people worldwide and is committed to moving energy forward.

About the role

The Global Category Leader is responsible for developing, implementing, and executing global sourcing strategies for assigned categories and suppliers. This includes supplier selection, supplier management and development, contract agreements and ensuring excellent purchasing operations. The role drives continuous improvement initiatives in transformation, processes, quality, cost effectiveness and internal coordination/communication, acting as an important change agent across INNIO.

This is a strategic individual contributor role reporting directly to the Senior Procurement Manager, with a hybrid work structure combining onsite days at our headquarters in Waukesha, WI and remote work.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute INNIO sourcing strategies for assigned categories and suppliers
• Apply excellent manufacturing processes understanding/acumen for assigned categories
• Develop negotiation strategies and lead negotiations to achieve company on-time delivery (OTD), quality, cost savings, and sustainability goals
• Lead supplier segmentation, selection, support supplier development and ensure high quality supplier relationship and operational management
• Manage and control CAPEX for assigned categories
• Understand business compliance requirements and drive opportunities to eliminate/minimize supply chain risks
• Drive sourcing initiatives including best cost country sourcing (BCC), productivity, rationalization of supply base, sole source reduction, lead time reduction, on-time delivery and quality improvements, Six Sigma/Lean requirements and cash flow improvements, total cost of ownership (TCO)
• Negotiate long-term agreements with suppliers outlining business strategy and requirements
• Proactively engage and interface with business sourcing leaders and functional owners to lay out strategies, ensure business buy-in and optimize internal coordination and communication; actively facilitate solution identification and implementation
• Proactively support project/initiative leaders in New Product Introduction (NPI) and product cost-out processes to contribute to sourcing and business goals
• Act as multiplayer and facilitator between supply base and INNIO businesses to actively enable innovation and collaboration
• Develop and execute recovery plans for suppliers that fall short on expectations
• Own, drive and report progress/bottlenecks on Value Creation Plan (VCP) initiatives

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations or Engineering from an accredited university/college or equivalent knowledge/experience
• 5+ years working experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, supply chain or operations (preferred)
• Proven experience in project management and strategy development
• Excellent technical aptitude, complemented by strong business acumen, as well as influencing, negotiation, and facilitating skills
• Reciprocating engine knowledge/skills (preferred)
• Strong knowledge/skills in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint; Oracle ERP experience is preferred
• Strong communication and presentation skills at all levels
• Strong customer service mindset with ability to improve internal customer relationships
• Entrepreneurial, intrinsically motivated mindset with demonstrated ownership of responsibilities
• Team player mentality and continuous improvement mindset
• Willingness to travel at least 20% of the time to our global supply base