Strategic Procurement & Category Manager

Knobelsdorff (KE); Eagan (MN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental coverage

401(k) with company match

PTO and holidays

Education reimbursement

Exclusive employee discounts

Job summary

Knobelsdorff (KE) is seeking a procurement professional to support its Supply Chain and Operations teams. You will develop category strategies, manage supplier relationships, and drive cost savings across materials, equipment, and services for industrial projects.

The role requires 5+ years in procurement, strong negotiation and analytical skills, and proficiency with ERP systems and procurement software. Occasional travel up to 25% is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, Finance, or related field.
• 5+ years of procurement, strategic sourcing, category management, or supply chain management.
• Experience negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and influencing skills.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, procurement software, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience supporting construction, industrial, manufacturing, energy, or specialty contracting organizations preferred.
• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CPM, CPIM, or CSCP preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies for assigned areas of spend, including materials, equipment, services, and operational purchasing.
• Process, review, and manage purchase orders to ensure accuracy, proper approvals, timely placement, and alignment with project and operational requirements.
• Lead supplier sourcing, evaluation, negotiation, and selection processes.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, rebate programs, and service agreements to maximize value and reduce costs.
• Build and manage strategic supplier relationships while monitoring supplier performance.
• Partner with project teams and operational leaders to understand demand forecasts and procurement requirements.
• Identify opportunities for standardization, consolidation, and process improvements across procurement activities.
• Monitor market trends, commodity pricing, and supply chain risks to proactively support business needs.
• Collaborate with Finance and Operations to track savings initiatives, purchasing metrics, and procurement performance.
• Support preferred vendor programs and ensure compliance with procurement policies and procedures.
• Analyze spend data and develop recommendations that improve purchasing decisions and operational efficiency.
• Resolve purchase order discrepancies, invoice issues, and supplier concerns to maintain continuity of supply and accurate financial records.
• Up to 15-25% travel for supplier visits, company locations, industry events, and business meetings.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Relationship building

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

ERP systems

Procurement software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Knobelsdorff (KE) is seeking a procurement professional to support its Supply Chain and Operations teams. You will develop category strategies, manage supplier relationships, and drive cost savings across materials, equipment, and services for industrial projects.

The role requires 5+ years in procurement, strong negotiation and analytical skills, and proficiency with ERP systems and procurement software. Occasional travel up to 25% is expected.