Senior Category Buyer

Brunswick Corporation; Fond du Lac (WI); Hybrid; USD 86,500 - 126,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) match

Product purchase discounts

Job summary

Brunswick Corporation in Fond du Lac, WI seeks a Senior Category Buyer to drive strategic sourcing across the product portfolio. You will collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Finance to optimize launches, supplier costs, and risk management in a dynamic global landscape.

The role requires 7+ years in sourcing or supplier management, strong data analytics with Excel/Power BI, and proven cross-functional leadership.

Qualifications

• BS/BA in Engineering or related field; 7+ years in sourcing or supplier management.
• Strong data analysis and proficiency in Excel; Power BI is a plus.
• Proven project management and cross-functional leadership.
• Excellent negotiation and cost management skills.
• Experience with APQP and PPAP processes.
• Willing to travel up to 25% (domestic/international).

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies aligned with category goals and broader business objectives with Engineering, Quality, Operations, Service, and Finance.
• Build strategic, long-term supplier partnerships focused on transparency and performance.
• Visit suppliers to assess capability and monitor market trends.
• Lead RFQs, analyze competitiveness, negotiate terms, and make sourcing recommendations.
• Obtain supplier component feasibility studies and support APQP development processes.
• Identify cost optimization opportunities through should-cost modeling and benchmarking.
• Process purchase requisitions and orders for components and tooling.
• Ensure supplier capacity aligns with schedules and resolve performance issues.
• Provide analysis, forecasting, and cost-change implementation.
• Manage tooling lifecycle and budgeting for costs and maintenance.
• Support cost recovery from supplier performance issues.
• Lead supplier reviews to align expectations and develop opportunities.
• Manage projects with planning and risk management; handle change requests.

Skills

Data analysis

Negotiation

Cost management

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

BS/BA in Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Power BI

Word

PowerPoint

Microsoft Project

APQP

PPAP

Job description

The Senior Category Buyer plays a pivotal role in developing and executing strategic sourcing initiatives within the product portfolio.

Location: Fond du Lac, WI

Workplace Category: Hybrid

Travel Required: Occasional; 20‑25%

Direct Reports: None

Pay Range: $86,500 – $126,800

Visa Sponsorship: Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Relocation: Yes

Position Overview

The Senior Category Buyer actively collaborates with suppliers and internal stakeholders throughout the product lifecycle—from initial sourcing and development through serial production and service support—optimizing product launch effectiveness, supplier cost, operational performance, innovation, and risk management in a dynamic global landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies aligned with category goals and broader business objectives in partnership with Engineering, Quality, Operations, Service, and Finance.
• Build strategic, long‑term supplier partnerships focused on transparency, performance, and continuous improvement.
• Visit suppliers to assess capability, deepen category knowledge, and monitor market trends.
• Lead requests for quotation, analyze for competitiveness, negotiate terms, and make sourcing recommendations that balance cross‑functional and strategic needs.
• Obtain supplier component feasibility studies and support APQP development processes.
• Continuously identify cost optimization and value engineering opportunities through “should cost” modeling and industry benchmarking.
• Process purchase requisitions and purchase orders for components and tooling.
• Ensure supplier capacity is aligned with business needs and delivery performance meets program and manufacturing schedules; resolve chronic performance issues.
• Provide effective analysis, forecasting, and implementation of cost changes.
• Manage component tooling lifecycle for accurate budgeting of costs and timely maintenance or replacement.
• Support commercial recovery of excess costs resulting from supplier performance issues.
• Lead supplier business reviews to align expectations, develop new opportunities, and drive continuous improvement.
• Manage and execute projects successfully with strong planning, attention to detail, risk management, and communication.
• Manage component change requests for effective disposition and execution.
• Monitor supply base risks and proactively plan and execute mitigations.

Required Qualifications

• BS/BA in Engineering (preferred), Operations Management, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7+ years of experience in sourcing, procurement, or supplier management roles.
• Proven success in project management and cross‑functional team leadership.
• Excellent negotiating and cost management skills; adept at managing conflict and handling difficult situations.
• Strong data analysis abilities and software skills, including Microsoft Excel and Power BI; proficient with Word, PowerPoint, and Project.
• Proficient with engineering prints and specifications, APQP, and PPAP processes.
• Excellent time management and organization skills; able to manage multiple ongoing projects and adapt to changing business needs.
• Positive attitude, ethics, and international values to promote a healthy, diverse, high‑performance culture.
• Possess strong communication skills, including written and verbal, as well as interpersonal skills.
• Occasional day and/or overnight travel, up to 25%, domestic and international. This role may also require occasional calls outside of normal business hours to support global operations and supplier coordination.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in raw materials, manufacturing processes, and supply base for hydraulic components and/or marine propulsion system components.
• Experience in original equipment manufacturer (OEM) setting with comparable scale and requirements to Mercury.
• CPSM and/or CPIM certifications.
• Lean and Six Sigma certification and application experience.

Compensation & Benefits

The hiring range for this position is $86,500 to $126,800 annually. The actual base pay offered will vary based on multiple factors, including job‑related knowledge/skills, relevant experience, business needs, and geographic location. In addition to base pay, this position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus and participation in Brunswick’s comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, 401(k) up to 4% match, Health Savings Account with company contribution, well‑being program, and product purchase discounts.

Brunswick Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact [e-mail] for support.