Procurement Category Manager-Interior and Bus Products

International; Lisle (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive market-based compensation

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

International in Lisle is seeking a Procurement Category Manager for Interior and Bus Products. This role leads strategic sourcing and manages supplier performance for products like school bus seats and safety components. The ideal candidate has experience in supply chain or manufacturing and is skilled in negotiation, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration.

The position offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US without sponsorship.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years in supply chain or manufacturing; 1 year in a lead role.
• Proven experience in commercial vehicle or related industries.
• Ability to negotiate contracts and agreements effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Category Management Team to execute category strategy.
• Negotiate long-term agreements and manage supplier performance.
• Work with engineering to implement optimal solutions.

Skills

Analytical skills

Procurement background

Communication skills

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain or Engineering

Master's degree in relevant field

Tools

Microsoft Copilot

Power BI

Ivalua

Job description

Position Overview

International in Lisle is looking to add a Procurement Category Manager – Interior and Bus Products to their team! The Procurement Category Manager – Interiors and Bus Products leads the Technology, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Risk, and Sustainability performance of International’s Interiors and Bus Products supply base. Responsible for components such as school bus seats, safety components, trim parts, bus floors, insulations, and other interior parts for International products. This person is responsible for developing and executing the product category strategy. Key activities include leading strategic sourcing for future programs, resourcing current business, managing cost reduction projects, supplier negotiations and contract administration, execution of comprehensive commercial agreements, and overall supplier performance management. In this role, you will co‑lead the Interiors and Bus Products Category Management Team (CMT), working cross‑functionally within International and across TRATON Brands, interfacing with program management, quality, manufacturing, sales & marketing, risk management, finance, logistics, aftermarket parts, product pricing, supply chain, and more.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Category Management Team to develop and execute category strategy aligned with business plan, launch, cost, quality, delivery, and sustainability objectives.
• Negotiate and execute pricing, long‑term agreements, commercial settlements, and supply agreements to ensure robust supply and competitive total cost.
• Manage and report CMT performance against targets to leadership. Own CMT goals, drive accountability, and support decisions that positively impact the business plan.
• Collaborate with sister TRATON brands on group strategy alignment, sourcing leverage, supplier footprint, and shared cost reduction opportunities.
• Work with engineering to identify and implement design, technology, and material solutions that minimize supply risk and optimize quality, cost, and manufacturability.
• Build strong strategic partnerships with suppliers to ensure product quality, launch readiness, on‑time delivery, service levels, innovation, and business continuity.
• Analyze category spend to identify and develop cost reduction opportunities using procurement levers including competitive bidding, global sourcing, negotiation, technology, supply chain/footprint optimization, target costing, aftermarket service parts, and value engineering.
• Work with International legal group to execute a variety of legal agreements such as Non‑disclosure, Comprehensive Supply, Development, Warranty, Tooling, and related commercial agreements.
• Maintain clear communication with Supply Chain, Operations, Procurement, Engineering, and other internal customers; elevate issues when needed and know who, when, and how to communicate effectively with all stakeholders.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and at least 5 years of supply chain, engineering or manufacturing experience; at least 1 year of lead experience.
• Master's degree and at least 3 years of supply chain, engineering or manufacturing experience; at least 1 year of lead experience.
• At least 8 years of supply chain, engineering or manufacturing experience; at least 1 year of lead experience.

Additional Requirements

• Qualified candidates, excluding current employees, must be legally authorized on an unrestricted basis in the United States. We do not anticipate providing employment‑related work sponsorship for this position (e.g., H‑1B status).

Desired Skills

• Working knowledge of AI and digital tools, including practical use of Microsoft Copilot, Power BI, Ivalua to improve daily productivity.
• Strong analytical skills, including data mining, spend analysis, supplier performance reporting, and fact‑based decision making.
• Procurement background with experience in Commercial Vehicle, Automotive, Bus, Heavy Equipment, or relevant manufacturing industries.
• Self‑starter with the ability to deal with ambiguity, work independently, and drive results across multiple priorities.
• Ability to read, understand, negotiate, and execute contracts and commercial agreements.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to influence cross‑functional stakeholders and present to leadership.
• Excellent time management skills – can organize and prioritize multiple projects and meet specific deadlines.
• Work effectively in a team environment and collaborate across Procurement, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Manufacturing, Finance, Legal, and TRATON brands.

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 candidate's applicable skills, knowledge, and experience.

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 [e-mail] request assistance. Kindly specify Job Requisition Number / Job Title and Location in response. Otherwise, your request may not be considered.