Category Manager

Graco

Category Manager at Graco overseeing procurement initiatives, vendor management, and cost optimization strategies. Collaborating across departments to ensure alignment and improve supplier performance.

Posted 7/21/2026full-timeRogers • Minnesota • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $75,000 - $131,200 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in strategic sourcing and category management, with a strong focus on contract negotiation, supplier performance management, and cost optimization. Proven ability to build cross-functional partnerships and execute procurement strategies aligned with business goals.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Strategic SourcingCategory ManagementContract NegotiationSupplier Performance ManagementCost Optimization

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Full-Cycle SourcingRFIsRFPsPricing NegotiationService Level AgreementsData PrivacyIntellectual Property RightsLiability ClausesProcurement MetricsCost Optimization

Soft Skills

Project ManagementInfluence SkillsAdaptability

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor’s DegreeMBA Preferred

Industry Keywords

ProcurementSupplier PartnershipsComplianceKPIEmerging Technology TrendsIndustry Standards

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Act as a trusted procurement advisor to teams across Operations, Engineering, and other departments, building strong partnerships and supporting business goals.
Develop and execute multi-year category strategies for your assigned commodities.
Manage full-cycle sourcing processes such as RFIs and RFPs.
Lead commercial negotiations encompassing pricing, service level agreements (SLAs), data privacy, intellectual property rights, and liability clauses.
Facilitate productive cross-functional collaboration and provide strategic guidance.
Oversee and nurture supplier partnerships, ensuring compliance with SLAs, KPIs, and regulatory requirements.
Monitor and report essential procurement metrics, including cost optimization, contract coverage, and supplier performance.
Maintain awareness of emerging technology trends and industry standards relevant to procurement.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Supply Chain, MIS, or a related field required; MBA preferred.
A minimum of five years' experience in strategic sourcing or category management, preferably within direct commodities.
Demonstrated success in negotiating complex contracts, managing vendor performance, and delivering measurable cost optimization.
Adaptability to changing business conditions.
Great project management and influence skills.

Benefits

Comp & perks

medical
dental
stock purchase plan
401(k)
tuition reimbursement and more