Lead Category Manager

Innio; Waukesha (WI); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

INNIO Group in Waukesha, WI seeks a Lead Category Manager for Direct Materials Procurement. You will lead procurement strategy for new power plant components and coordinate with cross-functional teams to secure cost-effective, high-quality parts on time.

The role requires 5+ years in direct material procurement, a Bachelor’s degree, strong Excel/PowerPoint skills, and travel up to 20%. Multilingual skills a plus (German/Spanish). Hybrid work arrangement.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in direct material procurement
• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Engineering or Business
• Basic technical knowledge of mechanical/electronic systems
• Established network with manufacturers in energy generation a plus
• Fluency in other languages including German & Spanish a plus
• Outstanding influencing, negotiation and facilitation skills
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Willingness to travel at least 20% of the time

Responsibilities

• Lead development of procurement strategy for new products focused on power plant components
• Develop and describe viable procurement strategy for power plant components
• Coordinate cross-functionally to identify, select and develop critical suppliers
• Implement and execute supplier relationship management plans
• Manage supplier contracts and negotiations
• Interface with Business Leaders to align strategies and secure buy-in

Skills

Negotiation

Influencing

Facilitation

Communication

Team player mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Oracle ERP

Job description

About INNIO Group:

INNIO Group is a global distributed energy solutions provider that delivers reliable, flexible, transient, decentralized, modular and efficient power. With a track record of innovation, INNIO designs, manufactures and services high-performance power systems under its Jenbacher and Waukesha brands. The company delivers power for applications including data centers, microgrids, grid stabilization, industrial energy and gas compression.

INNIO operates a global installed base across approximately 100 countries as of December 31, 2025, supported by a resilient, high-margin services business that delivers long-term, recurring revenues across the full equipment lifecycle. As electricity demand accelerates—driven by AI, electrification and grid constraints—INNIO enables scalable, behind-the-meter power generation with high efficiency, fast start capability, strong transient performance and fuel flexibility, including hydrogen-ready solutions. INNIO employs over 5,000 people worldwide and is committed to moving energy forward.

Position Overview:

We are looking for a Lead Category Manager to join our Procurement Team at INNIO. The successful candidate will have a key role within the INNIO Direct Material Procurement Team. The Direct Materials Procurement team at INNIO is responsible for all procurement activities which are required to ensure on-time delivery of cost-effective materials which meet the highest standards in quality. The INNIO Procurement team is an essential part of INNIO’s operation as well as pivotal in ensuring that INNIO’s future products continue to exceed market and customer expectations.

The work structure is hybrid to include a combination of working days onsite at our Waukesha, WI facility & from home.

Responsibilities:

• Leading the development of procurement strategy for new innovative products at INNIO (focus on parts which are linked to power plant installations).
• Development and description of a viable procurement strategy for power plant components.
• Cross functional coordination for identification, selection, and development of critical suppliers to execute our customer demands.
• Implementation & execution of structured supplier relationship management plans.
• Management of supplier contracts and negotiations.
• Interface with Business Leaders to lay out strategies and ensure business buy-in.

Minimum Requirements:

• 5 years’ experience in direct material or related procurement ideally within the machinery sector.

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in an Engineering or a Business-Related discipline; Master’s degree desired.

• Basic technical knowledge of mechanical and electronic systems is also required.

• Established network with manufacturers in relevant categories in the energy generation sector is strongly preferred.

• Fluency in other languages including German & Spanish a plus.

• Outstanding influencing & negotiation and facilitation skills.

• Highly motivated with an outstanding track record concerning ability to deliver.

• Strong communication and presentation skills.

• Team player mentality with a continuous improvement mindset.

• Strong knowledge/skills in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint; Oracle ERP experience is preferred.

• Strong customer service mindset with ability to improve internal customer relationships.

• Entrepreneurial, intrinsically motivated mindset with demonstrated ownership of responsibilities.

• Willingness to travel at least 20% of the time to our global supply base.