Category Manager

Danfoss; Easley (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Danfoss is seeking a strategic Category Manager to architect global supply chain strategies. You will lead comprehensive supplier strategies, negotiate high-impact agreements, and build strong partnerships with critical suppliers to drive resilience and cost competitiveness.

As a central, strategic partner, you will align procurement initiatives with stakeholders across a global, matrixed organization, shaping how our supply chain enables business success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years in category management or strategic procurement.
• Expert-level negotiation and contracting skills.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen for market forecasting.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills to influence senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive category and supplier strategies that enhance cost-competitiveness and supply chain resilience.
• Lead high-stakes negotiations and manage complex surcharge agreements to deliver measurable savings.
• Own and cultivate strategic relationships with key suppliers, driving performance through the 3T supplier management program.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks while scouting for new technologies and innovative suppliers to stay ahead.

Skills

Negotiation

Contracting

Analytics

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The Impact You'll Make

Are you a strategic thinker who is ready to be the architect of a global supply chain? As our new Category Manager, you will do more than just manage suppliers; you will develop and execute the comprehensive strategies that make our entire business more competitive, resilient, and future-ready.

This is a high-impact role where you will lead complex, high-stakes negotiations and build powerful partnerships with our most critical suppliers. You will be a market expert, using your insights to navigate global trends and protect Danfoss from volatility and risk.

Your work will directly influence our bottom line and our ability to innovate. You will be a central, strategic partner to leaders across the business, ensuring our supply chain is a key driver of our success.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Develop and execute comprehensive category and supplier strategies that directly enhance our cost-competitiveness and supply chain resilience.
• Lead high-stakes negotiations and manage complex surcharge agreements to deliver measurable savings and protect our bottom line.
• Own and cultivate strategic relationships with our key suppliers, driving performance and partnership through our 3T supplier management program.
• Act as our market expert, identifying and mitigating supply chain risks while scouting for new technologies and innovative suppliers to keep us ahead of the curve.
• Serve as a central point of collaboration, aligning with stakeholders across our global business units to ensure our procurement strategies support their goals.

What We're Looking For

• A Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in category management or strategic procurement, with the ability to develop and implement successful, long-term supplier strategies.
• Expert-level negotiation and contracting skills, with a proven track record of leading complex, high-value negotiations.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen, with the ability to analyze market trends and create accurate forecasts.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and build consensus across a global, matrixed organization.

What You'll Get From Us

• We promote from within and support your learning with mentoring, training, and access to global opportunities.
• You’ll have flexibility, autonomy, and support to do your best work while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Your well-being matters to us.
• We strive to create an inclusive work environment where people of all backgrounds are respected, and valued for who they are.
• You’ll receive benefits like 401k matching, annual bonus, paid vacation, personal insurance, and more. These vary by country and contract, but they’re worth asking about—we think they’re pretty great.

Our Commitment to Transparency

Salary ranges listed reflect only primary location and currency. For local salary ranges and specific benefits in your preferred hiring location, please ask your Talent Acquisition representative for more information. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Any benefits listed do not promise or guarantee any particular benefit or specific action. They may depend on country or contract specifics and are subject to change at any time without prior notice. Want to know more? Please visit our FAQ Page. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected category.