Associate Category Specialist

01 Hypertherm, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 73,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee stock ownership (ESOP)

Community service time (5 days/year)

Environmental stewardship

Job summary

Hypertherm Associates in Kent, WA (and New Brighton, MN) is seeking an Associate Category Specialist to support procurement of industrial materials and equipment, including electronics, tooling, and capital equipment. You will assess risk, support NPI activities, and drive process and procurement improvements.

The role emphasizes supplier communication, cost-saving initiatives, cross-functional collaboration, and adherence to contract and invoicing processes, with up to 10% travel and a strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 2–3 years in supply chain or procurement.
• Experience procuring industrial materials and equipment including electronics, tooling and capital equipment.
• Strong cost-saving and vendor negotiation capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Support materials on-time delivery at best price and meet quality requirements.
• Communicate with suppliers about pricing, deliveries, inventory changes, and product updates.
• Gather and share supplier performance data to support sourcing decisions.
• Identify, track, and document cost-saving opportunities for manufacturing and projects.
• Create and update purchase orders following established processes.
• Support contract compliance and invoicing questions.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings and cost-reduction projects.

Skills

Analytical skills

Cost/benefit analysis

Make/buy decision modeling

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in a related discipline

Tools

Oracle/ERP systems knowledge

Job description

Associate Category Specialist

Do you enjoy being involved in procurement for manufacturing and new product development? Hypertherm Associates is looking for an Associate Category Specialist with experience supporting procurement of industrial materials and equipment including electronics, tooling, and capital equipment to join our Waterjet team in Kent, Washington. In this role, your supply chain experience will be utilized to assess and mitigate risk, support new product introduction (NPI) activities, cultivate and execute cost savings initiatives, and execute projects. Join our unique business where you'll find plenty of opportunities to showcase your strengths, learn new skills, and drive process and procurement improvements. If you're ready to make a real impact, we want you on our team! Hypertherm Associates is the world leader in industrial cutting solutions. We are a 100% Associate‑owned company with a no‑layoff philosophy for over 55 years!

• 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

Who you are and the experience you will bring:

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

Preferred experience to differentiate you:

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

Location: Kent, Washington or New Brighton, MN

Travel: Up to 10% domestic

Why join Hypertherm Associates?

• 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

$72,828.00-$121,377.00 Annual

Hypertherm Associates is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we welcome all applications.

We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

At Hypertherm Associates, we are committed to building an inclusive diverse, flexible, and collaborative environment.