Category Manager - Engineering & Technical Services

International Motors; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 102,000 - 152,000; Full time

Job summary

International Motors is seeking a Category Manager, Engineering & Technical Services in Lisle, Illinois, to lead strategic sourcing for engineering, testing, software development, and related services. You will partner with Engineering, Product Development and Operations to develop category strategies and drive measurable cost savings.

You will manage negotiations, MSAs, and SOWs, and build strategic supplier relationships to ensure quality, innovation, and uninterrupted support for engineering

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field with 5+ years of procurement experience.
• Experience leading procurement initiatives and teams.
• Strong negotiation and cost-reduction track record.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies for engineering and technical services, including design engineering, testing and validation, software development, technical consulting, laboratory services, and outsourced engineering resources.
• Align procurement strategies across different regions and business units within TRATON and Volkswagen.
• Lead competitive sourcing initiatives, including RFIs, RFPs, cost benchmarking, supplier evaluations, negotiations, and present sourcing recommendations.
• Negotiate commercial agreements, rate cards, Master Service Agreements (MSAs), and Statements of Work (SOWs).
• Build and manage strategic supplier relationships to drive performance, innovation, quality, and cost competitiveness.
• Partner with business stakeholders to understand resource requirements, project objectives, and long- term capability requirements.
• Prepare executive- level summaries and presentations to support leadership reviews for your category.
• Deliver measurable cost savings, cost avoidance, and value creation while ensuring uninterrupted support for engineering programs.
• Use benchmarking and fact based analysis to support sourcing decisions.
• Monitor market trends, supplier capabilities, and industry developments to inform sourcing strategies.

Skills

Negotiation

Contract management

Supplier relationships

Sourcing

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

International

Lisle, Illinois

Supply Chain

Regular Full Time Employee

9/4/2026

USD $101,600.00/Yr.

USD $152,400.00/Yr.

59821

Position Overview

The Category Manager, Engineering & Technical Services will lead strategic sourcing, and category strategy development for externally sourced engineering, technical, and operations support services. International is seeking an experienced Procurement Category Manager to partner closely with Engineering, Product Development and Operations teams to develop sourcing strategies, manage supplier performance, and deliver value.

The role is accountable for the category strategy, sourcing execution, commercial negotiations, identifying and implementing cost reductions, and supplier relationship management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies for engineering and technical services, including design engineering, testing and validation, software development, technical consulting, laboratory services, and outsourced engineering resources.
• Align procurement strategies across different regions and business units within TRATON and Volkswagen.
• Lead competitive sourcing initiatives, including RFIs, RFPs, cost benchmarking, supplier evaluations, negotiations, and present sourcing recommendations.
• Negotiate commercial agreements, rate cards, Master Service Agreements (MSAs), and Statements of Work (SOWs).
• Build and manage strategic supplier relationships to drive performance, innovation, quality, and cost competitiveness.
• Partner with business stakeholders to understand resource requirements, project objectives, and long- term capability requirements.
• Prepare executive- level summaries and presentations to support leadership reviews for your category.
• Deliver measurable cost savings, cost avoidance, and value creation while ensuring uninterrupted support for engineering programs.
• Use benchmarking and fact based analysis to support sourcing decisions.
• Monitor market trends, supplier capabilities, and industry developments to inform sourcing strategies.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and at least 5 years of purchasing/procurement experience
• At least 1 years of lead experience
• Master's degree and at least 3 years of purchasing/procurement experience
• At least 1 years of lead experience
• At least 8 years of purchasing/procurement experience
• At least 1 years of lead experience

Additional Requirements

Qualified candidates, excluding current employees, must be legally authorized on an unrestricted basis (US Citizen, Legal Permanent Resident, Refugee or Asylee) to be employed in the United States. We do not anticipate providing employment related work sponsorship for this position (e.g., H-1B status)

Desired Skills

• Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management skills.
• Proven ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and lead complex sourcing initiatives.
• Strong analytical, financial, problem-solving, and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Ability to read, understand and negotiate commercial agreements and contracts.
• Ability to present sourcing strategies and recommendations to leadership.
• Skilled at developing executive level presentations and clearly communicating recommendations.
• Excellent collaboration skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and manage relationships with cross functional team members and other Volkswagen brands.
• Experience sourcing engineering, technical, consulting, or professional services is desired.
• Experience in manufacturing, automotive, industrial, or engineering-driven environments preferred.

Benefits and Compensation

This position offers competitive market-based compensation, along with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee wellbeing. You can learn more about the benefits offered for this position by visiting https://careers.international.com/#benefits.

The expected salary offered for this position will fall within the stated range, with the final offer based on the candidates' applicable skills, knowledge, and experience.

Company Overview

About TRATON

With its brands Scania, MAN, International, and Volkswagen Truck & Bus, TRATON SE is the parent and holding company of the TRATON GROUP and one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. The Group’s product portfolio comprises trucks, buses, and light-duty commercial vehicles. “Transforming Transportation Together. For a sustainable world.”: this intention underlines the Company’s ambition to have a lasting and sustainable impact on the commercial vehicle business and on the Group’s commercial growth.

About International

From a one-man company built on the world-changing invention of the McCormick reaper in 1831, to the 15,000-person-strong company we are today,few companies can lay claim to a history like International. Based in Lisle, Illinois, International Motors, LLC\* creates solutions that deliver greater uptime and productivity to our customers throughout the full operation of our commercial vehicles. We build International® trucks and engines and IC Bus® school and commercial buses that are as tough and as smart as the people who drive them. We also develop Fleetrite® aftermarket parts. In everything we do, our vision is to accelerate the impact of sustainable mobility to create the cleaner, safer world we all deserve. As of 2021, we joined Scania, MAN and Volkswagen Truck & Bus in TRATON GROUP, a global champion of the truck and transport services industry. To learn more, visit International.com.

*International Motors, LLC is d/b/a International Motors USA in Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas, and Utah.

EEO Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to access the online application system or participate in the interview process due to your disability, please email [e-mail] to request assistance. Kindly specify Job Requisition Number / Job Title and Location in response. Otherwise, your request may not be considered.