Category Buyer - Indirect Procurement

Brunswick; Illinois; Hybrid; USD 67,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Paid vacation

401k with match

Health Savings Account

Well-being program

Product purchase discounts

Job summary

Brunswick is seeking an Indirect Category Buyer in Mettawa, IL for a hybrid role requiring 3+ days in the office. You will source indirect services and products, manage supplier relationships, and drive total cost of ownership improvements alongside the Category Manager.

The role emphasizes data-driven decision making, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous process improvement within a multi-divisional procurement team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or related field.
• 3–5 years of sourcing/purchasing experience.
• Strong data analytics and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Review and create purchase orders in Oracle to ensure timely execution.
• Research and evaluate potential suppliers; negotiate pricing.
• Define and measure supplier performance to meet KPIs.
• Collaborate with Category Manager to optimize indirect spend.

Skills

Data analytics

Attention to detail

Interpersonal communication

Verbal communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

Oracle ERP

Excel

Power BI

Job description

## Category Buyer - Indirect ProcurementApply: Mettawa, IL: Full time: Posted Today: JR-051744***Are you ready for what’s next?****Come explore opportunities within Brunswick, a global marine leader committed to challenging conventions and innovating next-generation technologies that transform experiences on the water and beyond. Brunswick believes “Next Never RestsTM,” and we offer a variety of exciting careers and growth opportunities within united teams defining the future of marine recreation.***Location:** Mettawa, IL**Workplace Category:** Hybrid; 3+ days in office per week**Travel Required:** Minimal**Direct Reports:** No**Pay Range:** $66,500 – $95,750**Visa Sponsorship:** *Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship now or in the future.***Relocation:** Yes**Innovation is the heart of Brunswick. See how your contributions will help transform vision into reality** The **Indirect Category Buyer** is responsible for the sourcing and procurement of Indirect services and products required to support Brunswick Corporation and its Divisions including business operations of all internal departments and functions as needed. This individual will work the Category Manager & the supply base to ensure that all Indirect purchased material and services are sourced at the lowest total cost of ownership, while yet conforming to the required performance parameters needed to meet the project demands at all Brunswick Corporation locations.**At Brunswick, we have passion for our work and a distinct ability to deliver.** Essential Functions:* Independently review and create purchase orders in Oracle to ensure timely execution of Indirect activities and corporate functions. In addition, process certain Indirect invoices in Oracle to ensure timely payment to suppliers.* Independently, and in collaboration with other team members, research and investigate potential suppliers.* Evaluate supplier capability, solicit, and analyze RFP/RFQs, negotiate pricing and finalize purchase contracts to achieve best total cost of ownership for Indirect project.* Negotiate with vendors to ensure the purchase of the highest quality products or services at the most cost-effective pricing while meeting customer delivery requirements.* Independently and under the direction and /or guidance of Indirect Category Manager, negotiate availability of products and services to clearly define the expectations and deliverables associated with the purchase of Indirect products.* Identify, implement, and optimize tools and technologies that streamline processes, minimize manual intervention, and enable actionable, data-driven insights to improve performance, efficiency, and business outcomes.* Independently and/or in collaboration with end users and Brunswick Indirect Procurement, tactically administer programs needed to support daily operations of the procurement function; including but not limited to Professional Services, Third Party Labor, Marketing (inclusive of influencers, software, services and events), Translation Services and other HR or Marketing based categories* Independently and/or in collaboration with internal and external working partners, define, measure, analyze, improve, and control processes, programs, and supplier performance to effectively, efficiently and proactively achieve strategic business initiatives and/or key performance indicators. Passionately lead fellow employees by communicating the vision, engaging employees and empowering them to become change agents who are prepared and able to successfully lead the organization forward to embrace the future.**Diversity of thought and experiences is fundamental when imagining the unimaginable. Certain skillsets/experiences are necessary; however, others can be developed along the way.**Required Qualifications:* Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management and Operations Management or related business field is required.* Minimum 3-5 years of experience in sourcing/purchasing, or closely related purchasing experience. Prior experience supporting Human Resources of Marketing categories is desired.* Strong data analytics* High sense of accuracy, accountability, and collaboration* Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication Preferred Qualifications / Demonstrated Behaviors:* CPSM or CPM certification preferred* Six Sigma Green Belt desirable* Familiarity with Office suite products especially Excel; Power Bi* Familiarity with Artificial Intelligence best practices; Co-Pilot is preferred* Experience with an ERP system; Oracle is preferred* Focus on people and inspire trust by not just doing things right, but by doing the right things* Inspire and motivate people by living out the organization’s vision in their everyday business encounters* Demonstrate Influential leadership* Incite action across the entire value stream by mastering the skills of communication and motivation tailored to an individual person* Create an atmosphere where people have enormous desire to follow, are fully committed to the organization’s vision, and achieve well beyond the expected goals* Communicate with Internal Stakeholders at all levels of the Organization to answer inquires and resolve issues related to assigned categories The hiring range for this position is $66,500 to $95,750 annually. The actual base pay offered will vary based on multiple factors including job-related knowledge/skills, relevant experience, business needs, and geographic location. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the specifics of the candidate’s qualifications and the business context. In addition to base pay, this position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. This position is eligible to participate in Brunswick's comprehensive and high-quality benefits offerings, including medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, 401k (up to 4% match), Health Savings Account (with company contribution), well-being program, product purchase discounts and much more. Details about our benefits can be found here. **Why Brunswick:**Brunswick Corporation is a leader in the marine industry, and we’re looking for people just like you to take part in the movement towards better boating for all. We rely on the thoughtful input of people from all backgrounds to create compelling, innovative products for our customers around the globe. As such, diversity, equity, and inclusion are priorities in the enduring culture of our company. As a world leader in emerging recreational products and technologies, when you join our team, you become part of some of the most innovative, forward-looking brands in the marine industry today.*Next is Now!**We value growth and development, recognizing that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying.*Brunswick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is key to innovation and inspiration and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact [e-mail] for support.