Category Leader, MRO
Work Mode: Onsite
Location: Onsite, four days per week - Huntsville, AL
Opportunity
Join
Kohler Co. in a high-impact sourcing leadership role where you will shape
strategy, influence operations, and deliver measurable business results across
a complex North American manufacturing network. As Category Leader – MRO, you
will own a portfolio of 3 to 4 MRO subcategories within a broader category
structure of approximately 8 to 10 subcategories, with accountability for
supplier strategy, sourcing execution, contract development, preferred supplier
alignment, and total cost of ownership. This role supports annual category
spend within a larger MRO portfolio of approximately $130M to $180M and
typically owns $30M+ in spend, with opportunities to influence $70M to $80M in
sourcing activity across multiple plants.
This
is a strategic, visible, hands-on opportunity for a sourcing professional who
thrives in fast-paced, large-scale environments and wants to make a direct mark
on cost, service, supplier performance, and plant operations. You will lead
end-to-end sourcing initiatives, build and optimize supplier partnerships,
negotiate commercial terms that create value, and work closely with
cross-functional stakeholders to deliver sustainable savings and operational
improvements. With strong executive exposure, meaningful ownership, and the
chance to influence how MRO sourcing is managed across the business, this role
offers an exciting path for someone ready to grow their career while driving
real change.
Specific Responsibilities
- Shape and execute category strategies for assigned MRO subcategories, delivering measurable cost savings, improved supplier performance, and stronger operational support across multiple Kohler plants.
- Leverage advanced expertise in OEM vs. distributor pricing and market dynamics, alongside deep command of global MRO supply networks across multiple regions and countries, to optimize sourcing strategies and deliver value
- Lead high-visibility, end-to-end sourcing events, from spend analysis and supplier market evaluation through negotiations, supplier selection, and implementation, with clear savings and performance targets.
- Own supplier relationships for key MRO categories, including contract strategy, preferred supplier alignment, commercial negotiations, and performance management that improve value, service, and supply continuity.
- Drive transformation in a complex MRO environment by balancing strategic sourcing initiatives with real-time issue resolution that keeps operations running effectively.
- Partner with plant leaders, operations, maintenance, procurement, finance, and executive stakeholders to influence decisions, align on strategy, and accelerate adoption of sourcing improvements.
- Modernize and optimize supplier networks through rationalization, negotiation, and commercial strategy to unlock cost, efficiency, and service improvements at scale.
- Turn complex, imperfect spend data into actionable insights and sourcing strategies that support smart decisions, stronger supplier choices, and sustainable savings.
- Lead multiple initiatives across sites, share best practices, and help shape the future of MRO sourcing within a business that values ownership, results, and continuous improvement.
Required Competencies
Strategic & Financial
Management
- Experience managing $30M+ in annual expenditure, ideally within a broader MRO or industrial sourcing environment spanning multiple sites and stakeholders.
- Proven success leading large, high-value sourcing events and converting negotiations into realized savings and measurable business outcomes.
- Skilled in TCO-based sourcing, cost modeling, and multi-year category road mapping.
- Ability to bring structure to complex data, identify opportunities quickly, and translate analysis into sourcing strategies that create value.
Contracting & Commercial
Acumen
- Strong commercial acumen with experience in contracting, negotiation, and supplier agreements that drive both savings and operational performance.
- Deep understanding of commercial levers including payment terms, invoice issue resolution, risk mitigation, and supplier compliance in partnership with finance and accounts payable.
- Ability to lead nego