Category Manager

Mesa Natural Gas Solutions; Loveland (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Generous paid time off

100% employer-paid Health, Dental, and Vision insurance

Job summary

Mesa Natural Gas Solutions is seeking a skilled Category Manager to lead strategic sourcing and manage supplier relationships for gas engine power generation equipment. The role involves executing category strategies, negotiating contracts, and driving continuous improvement across multiple U.S. manufacturing sites.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and significant experience in procurement management, with a focus on industrial manufacturing. This position offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 5 years of procurement/category management experience in industrial manufacturing.
• Deep knowledge of gas engine power generation equipment.
• Ability to manage supplier risk and develop mitigation strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing processes and market analysis.
• Negotiate and manage supply contracts and agreements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers and stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Supplier relationship management

Project management

Data analysis

Negotiation skills

Compliance knowledge

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering

MBA or relevant advanced degree

Tools

MRP/ERP systems

Procurement and analytics tools

Job description

Job Summary

The Category Manager leads strategic sourcing, contracts, supplier relationships, and continuous improvement for categories supporting gas engine power generation equipment across multiple U.S. manufacturing sites. This role drives quality, delivery, risk mitigation, total cost of ownership and supplier innovation aligned to corporate goals.

Essential Duties

• Develop and execute category strategies (total cost of ownership focus) for mechanical, electrical, fuel‑system, and ancillary components used in gas engine power generation.
• Lead strategic sourcing processes: market analysis, RFx design and execution, supplier selection, commercial evaluation, and implementation.
• Negotiate, establish, and manage master agreements, long‑term supply contracts, and service agreements; ensure commercial terms, KPIs, SLAs, and risk clauses protect the company.
• Own supplier relationship management (SRM): performance reviews, corrective action, development plans, scorecards, and escalation management.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers and internal stakeholders to reduce cost, improve quality, shorten lead times, and increase first‑pass yield.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, quality, logistics, and finance to ensure parts/specifications meet manufacturing requirements and change‑control processes are followed.
• Manage supplier risk (financial, capacity, single‑source exposure) and develop mitigation strategies including dual‑sourcing, safety stock, and contingency planning.
• Lead cross‑functional sourcing projects, capital equipment purchases, and new product introduction (NPI) sourcing activities.
• Maintain accurate category spend, savings tracking, and supplier performance metrics; report monthly to procurement leadership.
• Ensure compliance with corporate procurement policies, export controls, and relevant regulations.
• All other duties assigned.

Qualifications

Education
Required: 4‑Year / Bachelors Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field from an accredited university.
Preferred: Graduate Degree – MBA or relevant advanced degree.

Experience
Required: 5 years of procurement/category management experience in industrial manufacturing, heavy equipment, or power generation.
Preferred: 8 years of procurement/category management experience in industrial manufacturing, heavy equipment, or power generation; 5 years with gas engines or rotating equipment; honorably discharged service veterans are preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Deep knowledge of gas engine power generation equipment and major components.
• Strong understanding of strategic sourcing, category management, supplier segmentation, and total‑cost‑of‑ownership principles.
• Familiarity with contract law basics, commercial terms, warranty provisions, and procurement compliance.
• Knowledge of quality systems and standards applicable to power generation equipment.
• Working knowledge of inventory management, MRP/ERP systems, and demand planning processes.
• Understanding of supply chain risk management, logistics, and import/export considerations.
• Advanced negotiation and contract drafting skills with demonstrated ability to secure favorable commercial terms and risk allocation.
• Strategic sourcing skills: supplier market analysis, RFx management, make‑vs‑buy decisions, and cost modeling.
• Data analysis and financial acumen: ability to analyze spend, create cost models, quantify savings, and present ROI.
• Supplier performance management skills: scorecards, root‑cause analysis, corrective action, and continuous improvement facilitation.
• Project management skills: plan and execute complex sourcing projects on time and within scope.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management.
• Proficiency with procurement and analytics tools (e.g., e‑sourcing platforms, spend analytics, Excel advanced functions).
• Ability to travel to multiple U.S. sites and supplier locations as required.
• Ability to lead cross‑functional teams and drive change in a matrixed organization.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making under ambiguity and time constraints.
• Capacity to mentor and build capability within procurement and operations teams.
• Ability to manage confidential and commercially sensitive information with integrity.
• Must be fluent in spoken, written, and read English.

Employment Requirements

Safety is a core value at Mesa. Positions identified as safety‑sensitive require initial drug screening as a condition of employment, and employees in those roles may be subject to random testing in accordance with company policy.

What We Offer

• Competitive base pay
• 401(k) plan
• Generous paid time off – including vacation, holidays, parental leave, and bereavement
• 100% employer‑paid Health, Dental, and Vision insurance for employees and their dependents
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life Insurance
• Short‑and‑Long Term Disability coverage
• Critical Illness and Accident insurance
• Annual Evaluations with the opportunity for a pay increase based on performance

Additional Job Requirements

• Willing to consent to and pass a background check and drug screening.
• Willing to travel occasionally.
• Willing to work Monday‑Friday (set schedule).
• Possess a customer‑focused attitude, with high level of professionalism and discretion.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Less than 3 Direct Reports

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Mesa Power Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, citizenship status, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability or any other legally protected status. EOE/M/F/D/V