Category Manager

Responsible for leading and implementing world class procurement strategies to support the purchase of Manufacturing materials.  As part of the role, the category manager will be responsible for developing category strategies and engaging both internal stakeholders and suppliers to successfully implement them. This role will require significant prior experience and substantial knowledge and understanding of the category. In this role, the category manager will also be responsible for coordinating with local purchasing teams as well as program teams who are responsible for maintaining Emerson software systems and master data. 

In This Role, Your Responsibilities Will Be:

• Developing regional and international category strategies for the purchasing of manufacturing and maintenance materials such as MRO repair parts, plant consumables, safety supplies, cutting tools, and a portfolio of prior vendor business relationships. This role will require establishing supplier business relationships internationally as well as working with regional category leaders in in all world areas. 
• Setting up spare parts or inventory management, vending or VMI programs.
• Drafting, negotiating, and managing supplier contracts.
• Working with business stakeholders and global category and purchasing leadership to develop and implement category procurement strategies  
• Leadership of a matrix-ed team of internal business stakeholders representing business interests.
• Communicating with a diverse set of business unit leaders in Mexico and Brazil, as well as participation in periodic management and executive leadership reviews.
• Engaging with program resources and technical teams for technology deployment - participation in the deployment and management of Oracle procurement and adjacent applications.
• Defining and then driving performance to meet relevant key financial and performance indicators.
• Ability to travel both domestically and internationally; intermittent travel (up to 20%) based upon projects and priorities.

Who You Are:

You are Passionate about making an impact and always act with integrity. You continuously push yourself to achieve new goals and are not afraid to question the status quo by proposing creative solutions to problems. You take on new opportunities and touch challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
 

For This Role, You Will Need:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, or related discipline
• Relevant supply chain or procurement experience with strong understanding of supply chain and procurement principles is required.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to manage and present complex information and ideas is critical.
• Exceptional interpersonal communications skills and ability to communicate and align with a diverse set of internal and external stakeholders is critical.
• Ability to manage ambiguity, plan and work independently, and excellent planning and time-management skills are a requirement for this position.
• Ability to learn quickly when facing new situations is important.
• Seek continuous improvement opportunities to run efficient and effective projects 
• Proficient in English
• Substantial prior experience developing and leading Manufacturing materials strategies will be considered in the hiring decision.
• Familiarity with Oracle (on-premises or cloud) or category specific procurement applications (SAP/Ariba, Coupa, etc.) and advanced working experience with Microsoft Excel.

Preferred Qualifications That Set You Apart:

• Advanced degree (e.g., MBA) is a plus.
• Prior financial experience, reporting, budgeting, or planning is beneficial
• Prior international or multi-national work experience is desirable 
• Proficient in Portuguese is a plus 

Our Culture & Commitment to You:

At Emerson, we prioritize a workplace where every employee is valued, respected, and empowered to grow. We foster an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and diverse perspectives—because we know that great ideas come from great teams. Our commitment to ongoing career development and growing an inclusive culture ensures you have the support to thrive. Whether through mentorship, training, or leadership opportunities, we invest in your success so you can make a lasting impact. We believe diverse teams, working together are key t