Senior Category Buyer

Position Overview

The Senior Category Buyer is a key contributor in developing and executing strategic sourcing initiatives for their portfolio. This role actively collaborates with Engineering, Quality, Operations, Service, and Finance.

Key Responsibilities

• Actively contribute to the development and execution of sourcing strategies aligned with category goals and broader business objectives in partnership with Engineering, Quality, Operations, Service, and Finance
• Build strategic, long-term supplier partnerships focused on transparency, performance, and continuous improvement
• Visit suppliers to assess capability, deepen category knowledge, and monitor market trends
• Lead requests for quotation, analyze for competitiveness, negotiate terms, and make sourcing recommendations that balance cross-functional and strategic needs
• Obtain supplier component feasibility studies and support APQP development processes
• Identify cost optimization and value engineering opportunities through “should cost” modeling and industry benchmarking
• Process purchase requisitions and purchase orders for components and tooling
• Ensure supplier capacity is aligned with business needs and delivery performance meets program and manufacturing schedules, drive resolution to chronic performance issues
• Manage component tooling lifecycle for accurate budgeting of costs and timely maintenance or replacement
• Support commercial recovery of excess costs resulting from supplier performance issues
• Lead supplier business reviews to align expectations, develop new opportunities, and drive continuous improvement
• Manage and execute projects successfully with strong planning, attention to detail, risk management, and communication
• Maintain supply base risks, proactively plan and execute mitigations
• Lead and manage component change requests for effective disposition and execution
• Monitor supply base risks, proactively plan and execute mitigations

Required Qualifications

• BS/BA in Engineering (preferred), Operations Management, Supply Chain, or a related field
• Minimum of 7+ years of experience in sourcing, procurement, or supplier management roles
• Proven success in project management and cross-functional team leadership
• Excellent negotiating and cost management skills; adept at managing conflict and handling difficult situations
• Strong data analysis abilities and software skills, including Microsoft Excel and Power BI; proficient with Word, PowerPoint, and Project
• Proficient with engineering prints and specifications, APQP, and PPAP processes
• Excellent time management and organization skills; able to manage multiple ongoing projects and adapt to changing business needs
• Positive attitude, ethics, and international values to promote a healthy, diverse, high-performance culture
• Possess strong communication skills, including written and verbal, as well as interpersonal skills
• Occasional day and/or overnight travel, up to 25%, domestic and international. This role may also require occasional calls outside of normal business hours to support global operations and supplier coordination

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in raw materials, manufacturing processes, and supply base for hydraulic components and/or marine propulsion system components
• Experience in original equipment manufacturer (OEM) setting with comparable scale and requirements to Mercury
• CPSM and/or CPIM certifications
• Leverage of Lean and Six Sigma certification and application experience