Category Procurement Leader - Automation

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Job Summary

The Category Procurement Leader is a strategic, high-impact role responsible for the end-to-end management of procurement activities within their designated product category. This role balances tactical execution with strategic oversight, taking the lead on anticipating market trends, managing supply chain risks, and supporting long-term supply chain optimization. The Category Procurement Leader works closely with the Purchasing Manager, Buyers, and other departments to ensure the organization maintains competitive advantages in purchasing, cost management, and market positioning.

This role will specifically focus on Werner's automation suppliers including Rockwell Automation.

Essential Functions

• Continuously monitor global markets, including pricing, geopolitical risks, and supply chain trends. Use market intelligence to anticipate challenges and mitigate risks through supplier diversification, contingency planning, and proactive measures to ensure business continuity.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies that not only meet current demand but anticipate future needs. Ensure the procurement of category aligns with the company’s long-term goals.
• Take full ownership of executing purchase orders, ensuring accuracy and timely fulfillment in line with production and operational needs as well as returns to vendors & vendor invoice/credit reconciliation.
• Manage and strengthen relationships with suppliers, negotiate favorable terms, competitive pricing, and reliable delivery schedules. Collaborate with vendors to resolve issues quickly and ensure smooth operations.
• Coordinate with warehouse and logistics teams, using data analytics and forecasting, to proactively communicate warehousing capacity needs and ensure procurement schedules align with inventory requirements and operational timelines, supporting efficient warehouse management.
• Work closely with the Purchasing & Margin Optimization Strategist to identify opportunities for cost reduction, process improvement, and margin optimization in category procurement.
• Drive continuous improvements in purchasing processes, ensuring that procurement practices evolve to reflect changing market conditions, cost-saving opportunities, and efficiency gains.
• Partner with sales, product, RDC, and logistics teams to ensure that inventory is available when needed to support business growth and project timelines.

• Provide the Purchasing Manager and leadership team with strategic insights on market conditions, risk analysis, and procurement strategies. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align sourcing with business goals.
• Partner with the Pricing department to assure price alignment.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or related field.
• 5 years of Strategic Sourcing, Procurement, Supply Chain Management experience, or leadership experience within the industry.
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex supply chains, anticipating market trends, and proactively addressing supply chain risks.
• Foundational product knowledge of buy lines.
• Proven track record of balancing tactical execution with strategic mission critical duties to support business goals.
• 2-5 years of experience working cross functionally with other departments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Automation related procurement experience
• Electrical component experience

Company Overview 

Founded in 1948, Werner has grown from a small appliance store in downtown Neenah, WI into an award-winning employer and leading electrical distributor with 12 branch locations in Wisconsin and Upper-Michigan. Headquartered in Appleton, WI, we provide electrical, lighting, network, process, and inventor