Graco manufactures and markets premium equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray a wide variety of fluid and powder materials. What does that mean? Well, we pump peanut butter into your jar, and the oil in your car. We glue the soles of your shoes, the glass in your windows and the screen on your phone. We spray the finish on your vehicle, coatings on your pills, the paint on your house and texture on your walls. Graco is part of your daily life.

An Indirect Category Manager is responsible for overseeing the procurement and management of a company’s indirect materials and services. These typically include goods and services that are not directly incorporated into a product being manufactured, such as factory supplies, cutting tools, marketing materials, and/or professional services.

Essential Duties

• Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Collaborate with various internal departments (such as finance, operations, marketing) to understand their procurement needs
• Provide expert advice on procurement strategies and best practices

• Contract Management:

• Effective contract management supporting an organization's goals, helping to avoid financial losses, legal issues, and damaged relationships.
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies to support corporate and divisional objections, providing Graco a competitive advantage in the areas of materials, supplies, and services.

• Identify, analyze, and develop a consolidated supplier base to meet current and future procurement needs.

• Create and maintain mutually beneficial partnerships with suppliers to foster feedback and continuous improvement.

• Negotiate and manage complex contracts and agreements for assigned commodities in accordance with Graco's objectives, policies and procedures.

• Lead the supplier selection process within a cross-functional team.

• Manage suppliers, costs, quality, and delivery performance.

• Understand, track, and forecast the key cost drivers and market factors for assigned commodities.

• Implement appropriate sourcing strategies to control Graco’s purchased material costs and to assure an adequate source of supply.

• Support new product development from the concept stage through successful product launch.

• Support the Planners and other manufacturing partners on tactical needs, as required.

• Drive continuous improvement in all aspects of the procurement process.

• Effectively represent the department on cross-functional teams within Graco or other companies.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

Education & Experience

• BA/BS degree in Business, Engineering, Materials Management or equivalent.

• MBA desired

• C.P.M./C.P.I.M. certification desirable

• 8 years materials or manufacturing experience.

• Minimum of 6 years procurement experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to handle complex negotiations and contracts, including private label agreements and international procurement.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Work independently and in team environment

• PC and related software (Word, Excel, Access, Database Management etc.)experience.

• Ability to perform detailed Corporate Category studies and market research worldwide.

• Complex knowledge of contract law.

• Ability to create and execute complex contracts, agreements, and business plans.

• Experience in complex analysis and resolution of complex sourcing problems requiring multi-functional participation.

• Proven ability to exceed individual and department goals.

• Experience as a key resource for product development teams.

• Adaptability to changing business conditions

• Good project management and organizational skills

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Power to Be
At Graco, the Power to Be means providing the support, resources and freedom to pave your own way. Bring your unique attributes to the table, along with a commitment to being your best self, and you can be a part of a culture that rewards effort, celebrates uniqueness, and gives you the tools you need to succeed and become your best, fullest self along the way. Our culture empowers employees to chart their own career path. Our managers provide support and opportunities while offering freedom for employees to find their own Power to Be. Whether you decide to move up within the same department or expand to another cross-functional group, you will gain the well-rounded experience to succeed on your own terms.

Graco has excellent opportunities available to individuals who want to be part of a fast-moving, growing company that is committed to quality, innovation and solving fluid handling problems for our customers. Graco is proud to be named a Best Place to Work by Fortune Magazine in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021 & 2022. Graco offers attractive compensation, benefits and career development opportunities. Graco’s comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, stock purchase plan, 401(k), tuition reimbursement and more.

Our company uses E-Verify to confirm the employment and eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.

Proven Quality. Leading Technology. Launch your career with Graco!