Lead Category Manager

INNIO Group; Waukesha (WI); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

INNIO Group in Wisconsin is seeking a Lead Category Manager to join the Direct Materials Procurement Team. The role focuses on developing procurement strategies for power plant components and ensuring on-time, cost-effective material delivery for high‑quality products.

You will collaborate with business leaders, manage supplier contracts, travel up to 20%, and leverage Excel, PowerPoint, and Oracle ERP to drive continuous improvement and strong supplier partnerships.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in direct material or related procurement experience.
• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Engineering or Business; Master’s degree desired.
• Basic technical knowledge of mechanical/electronic systems.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Willingness to travel ~20% to global supply base.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of procurement strategy for new products (power plant components).
• Develop viable procurement strategies for power plant components.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to identify and develop critical suppliers.
• Implement supplier relationship management plans.
• Manage supplier contracts and negotiations.

Skills

Procurement strategy

Supplier negotiation

Cross-functional coordination

Excel

PowerPoint

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Business

Master's degree desired

Tools

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 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.