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.

What You Will Do at Graco

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

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

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

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

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.

Supplier Management

• 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.

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

• Perform other duties as assigned.

What You Will Bring to Graco

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

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

• 5+ years of Indirect Strategic Sourcing or procurement experience.

• 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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At Graco, you truly make a difference. Your unique talents contribute to our organizational growth and future. Not only do you make a difference, but Graco’s culture empowers employees to create their own career path. Whether you choose to advance within your current department or explore new opportunities in different divisions, you have the ability to build your future. Our managers are here to provide support and guidance as you continue to grow within your career.

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.