Global Category Lead: Strategic Sourcing & Innovation

Laborie; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

401k with company match

Parental Leave

Job summary

Laborie is seeking a Category Lead to develop and execute global category strategies aligned with business growth and operational needs. You will drive supplier assessments, market intelligence, and spend analysis to identify opportunities, risks, and cost-saving initiatives.

You will lead strategic sourcing programs, manage supplier relationships, and negotiate complex agreements, collaborating with Operations, Engineering, R&D, Quality, Finance, Regulatory, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field required.
• MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Certifications in procurement or supply chain are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global multi-year category strategies aligned with growth and operations.
• Conduct market intelligence, supplier assessments, benchmarking, and spend analysis to identify opportunities and risks.
• Build category roadmaps focusing on cost optimization, supplier innovation, continuity, sustainability, and risk mitigation.
• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives including RFIs, RFQs, RFPs, supplier evaluation, and selection.
• Establish and manage strategic supplier relationships to improve performance, quality, and value.
• Lead SRM activities including Quarterly/Executive Business Reviews.
• Lead complex negotiations on pricing, terms, IP protection, SLAs, and long-term agreements.
• Develop negotiation strategies aligned with organizational objectives.
• Deliver annual cost savings, avoidance, and productivity initiatives.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Category management

Supplier negotiations

Contract management

Vendor performance

Cost reduction

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, Finance, or related field

MBA or Master's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Finance, or related discipline

Certifications: CPSM, CSCP, CPIM, CPM or equivalent

Job description

Laborie is seeking a Category Lead to develop and execute global category strategies aligned with business growth and operational needs. You will drive supplier assessments, market intelligence, and spend analysis to identify opportunities, risks, and cost-saving initiatives.

You will lead strategic sourcing programs, manage supplier relationships, and negotiate complex agreements, collaborating with Operations, Engineering, R&D, Quality, Finance, Regulatory, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to