Category Leader, Direct Materials

Category Leader, Direct Materials

Work Mode: Onsite

Location: Onsite, four days per week – Kohler, WI

Opportunity

This role is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for direct materials vital to Kohler’s operations. Key objectives include reducing supply risk, lowering total costs, achieving cost savings, improving supplier reliability, and supporting new product launches with effective sourcing solutions. Success requires strong knowledge of products, suppliers, and markets, along with project management, communication, and leadership skills. Personal accountability and cross-functional collaboration are essential for advancing cross-functional goals.

Specific Responsibilities

• Sourcing Strategies:
  • Spearhead and execute impactful sourcing strategies to boost supplier performance, deliver tangible cost savings, and proactively mitigate risk.
  • Share actionable insights with stakeholders for strategic alignment and business growth.
  • Act as a trusted subject matter expert, driving sourcing excellence across the organization.
• Supplier Management:
  • Cultivate strategic partnerships with suppliers through proactive engagement and on-site collaboration.
  • Leverage metrics and reviews to drive continuous improvement and measurable supplier outcomes.
  • Identify and onboard high-performing suppliers to maintain a competitive, dynamic supply base.
• Project Management:
  • Lead cost optimization and resourcing projects, accelerating Kohler’s industry leadership.
  • Manage complex project scopes by collaborating across multifunctional teams for seamless delivery.
  • Oversee timelines to ensure success while fostering cross-functional teamwork and accountability.
• Technical:
  • Harness tools like SAP and Power BI to empower data-driven sourcing decisions and operational efficiency.
• Contracts:
  • Demonstrate expertise in contract management and negotiation to secure best-in-class results.
  • Proactively refine templates to support scalable growth.
  • Partner with legal teams and lead RFx processes to ensure robust agreements.
• Data Analysis:
  • Analyze data to uncover trends and generate actionable business intelligence.
  • Perform cost analysis, price modeling, and forecasting using comprehensive market research.
• Personal/Interpersonal:
  • Uphold high ethical standards with strong business acumen.
  • Forge collaborative partnerships, champion diversity, and inspire innovation across teams.
• Communication:
  • Deliver clear communication and insightful management reports tailored for strategic action.
  • Present forward-thinking recommendations that drive continuous improvement.
• Leadership:
  • Drive initiatives aligned with annual strategic objectives.
  • Inspire, motivate, and develop teams for ongoing growth and high performance.

Skills/Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Engineering, Operations.
  
• 6+ years as a purchasing professional or related fields.
  
• Experience in creating sourcing strategies, contract negotiations, cost savings, problem solving and complex project execution.
  
• Ability to travel 15% of the time to suppliers and other Kohler locations.

#LI-SW1

#LI-Onsite

Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

We believe in supporting you from the moment you join us, which is why Kohler offers day 1 benefits. This means you’ll have access to your applicable benefit programs from your first day on the job, with no waiting period. The salary range for this position is $105,000 - $162,500. The specific salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate’s experience, their education, and the work location. In addition, this position is eligible for a performance bonus/variable incentive compensation.

Why Choose Kohler?
We empower each associate to #BecomeMoreAtKohler with a competitive total rewards package to support your health and wellbeing, access to career growth and development opportunities, a diverse and inclusive workplace, and a strong culture of innovation. With more than 30,000 bold leaders across the globe, we’re driving meaningful change in our mission to help people live gracious, healthy, and sustainable lives.

About Us
It is Kohler’s policy to recruit, hire, and promote qualified applicants without regard to race, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran. If, as an individual with a disability, you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact kohlerjobs@kohler.com.  Kohler Co. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.