Category Manager I – Indirect

Mortenson

Indirect Category Manager I at Mortenson handling IT category development and sourcing strategies. Managing supplier relationships to optimize costs, quality, and delivery.

Posted 5/9/2026full-timeMinneapolis • Minnesota • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $102,000 - $153,000 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Switching

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and implement Category Strategy for Indirect Materials & Services Categories focusing on Technology related goods and services
Identify and engage with internal stakeholders across operations and business services to capture category requirements
Assess potential opportunities for categories including spend segmentation, category maturity, cost drivers, and supply market analysis
Develop Sourcing Strategy for categories detailing projects, sourcing levers, timing, resources, and expected benefits
Adapt the strategy as business, market, and economic environments change
Support Annual Category Reviews including updated projects, metrics, strategy, and risk mitigation strategies
Manage Financial Success of Category
Responsible for category financial results for assigned categories. Develop strategies to achieve financial and category initiative goals
Develop pricing strategies for project proposals
Lead monthly and annual category financial reviews with project information, metrics, forecast and strategy, if applicable
Achieve Material Cost Reductions for Indirect Categories
Initiate and conduct supplier contract negotiations
Responsible for defining negotiations strategy including supplier profiles, commercial negotiations targets, defining switching costs, and building Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Lead and execute complex contract negotiations to obtain the best overall value
Closely monitor market drivers affecting the category including raw material pricing and availability, supplier capacity, industry disruptions and new products/services.
Responsible for forecasting, reporting, mitigating, and recovery of commodity inflation
Apply risk containment and management principles to identify, assess and communicate cyber, operational, financial and commercials risks
Effectively work and build relationships with those of diverse backgrounds and organizational levels
Lead team members by example, offer effective coaching and feedback, and effectively manage performance
Other duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, construction management or equivalent combinations of technical training and/or related experience.
5+ years of experience in a similar role strategically managing and expanding categories and suppliers (a strong background in indirect services and technology preferred)
Strong understanding of consumables & indirect materials and services purchasing processes and procedures
Thorough understanding of how technology is licensed, implemented and supported
Demonstrated application of risk management principles
Deep experience in negotiating with large technology companies
Strong business acumen with skills in problem solving, strategic thinking and negotiation
Highly effective communication, follow up and presentation skills
Demonstrated experience in hiring, coaching, and mentoring a team of professionals to anticipate needs and achieve short and long-term goals (preferred)
Ability to influence without authority
Active listening skills and effective communication including an openness to diverse input and feedback
Ability to travel up to 10%
Current driver’s license

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical and prescription drug plans that includes no additional cost vision coverage
Dental plan
401k retirement plan with a generous Mortenson match
Paid time off, holidays, and other paid leaves
Employer paid Life, AD&D, and disability insurance
No-Cost mental health tool and concierge with extensive work-life resources
Tuition reimbursement
Adoption Assistance
Gym Membership Discount Program

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

category strategy developmentsourcing strategyfinancial analysispricing strategycontract negotiationrisk managementmarket analysiscost reductionsupplier managementspend segmentation

Soft Skills

communication skillsstrategic thinkingproblem solvingcoachingmentoringinfluencingrelationship buildingteam leadershipactive listeningpresentation skills

Certifications

Bachelor's degreesupply chain managementconstruction management