ITS Category Strategist II: Sourcing & Cost (Hybrid)

M. A. Mortenson Company; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 73,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

Dental plan

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Life Insurance

AD&D Insurance

Disability insurance

Wellness resources

Tuition reimbursement

Adoption assistance

Gym discount

Job summary

Mortenson is seeking a Category Specialist II to develop, implement, and manage sourcing strategies for specified categories, aiming to optimize costs, quality, and delivery while strengthening supplier relationships.

In this role, you will collaborate with engineers and operations, lead cost reduction initiatives, and support supplier negotiations and market analysis to drive value across projects. This position requires strong communication, negotiation, and strategic thinking.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Construction Management or equivalent combinations of technical training and/or related experience.
• Minimum 4 years of experience.
• Knowledge of construction processes, equipment and materials, purchasing processes and procedures.
• Negotiating, organizing, planning, verbal and communication skills.
• Strong strategic thinking, business acumen, and negotiations skills.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.
• Strong organization, planning and decision-making skills.
• Ability to influence without authority.
• Active listening skills and effective communication including an openness to diverse input and feedback.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Category Strategy for assigned categories by engaging with internal stakeholders across engineering and operations to capture requirements.
• Manage relationships with key suppliers and support supplier business reviews while monitoring quality and delivery performance.
• Assist with pricing strategies for project proposals and monthly/annual category reviews with metrics, forecast, and strategy.
• Support cost reductions by assisting with supplier negotiations and defining switching costs and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
• Monitor market drivers affecting the category including raw material pricing, supplier capacity and disruptions.
• Forecast, report, mitigate, and recover from commodity inflation.
• Lead and coach team members, provide feedback, and manage performance.

Skills

Negotiation

Strategic thinking

Communication

Influence without authority

Active listening

Presentation skills

Planning & organizing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business / Supply Chain / Construction Management

Job description

Mortenson is seeking a Category Specialist II to develop, implement, and manage sourcing strategies for specified categories, aiming to optimize costs, quality, and delivery while strengthening supplier relationships.

In this role, you will collaborate with engineers and operations, lead cost reduction initiatives, and support supplier negotiations and market analysis to drive value across projects. This position requires strong communication, negotiation, and strategic thinking.