Assistant Category Manager

Mortenson

Assistant Category Manager at Mortenson developing and managing sourcing strategies for pad-mounted and skidded equipment. Focused on optimizing costs, quality, and supplier relationships.

Posted 6/19/2026full-timeMinneapolis • Minnesota • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $92,300 - $138,500 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Switching

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Assist in development and implementation of category strategy for assigned categories
Identify and engage with internal stakeholders across engineering, design phase and operations to capture category requirements
Assess potential opportunities for categories including spend segmentation, category maturity, cost drivers, and supply market analysis
In collaboration with Supply Chain management, 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 relationships with key suppliers
Maintain relationship with suppliers at the appropriate level
Support in the development of and facilitate supplier business reviews
In collaboration with Supply Chain quality management and operating group quality management, monitor supplier’s quality and delivery performance
Leverage supplier relationship to assist Team Members with expedites as needed
Assist with the Financial Success of Category
Assist with the development of strategies to achieve financial and category initiative goals
Assist with the development of pricing strategies for project proposals as requested
Assist with monthly and annual category financial reviews with project information, metrics, forecast and strategy, if applicable
Support material cost reductions for assigned categories
Assist in supplier contract negotiations
Aid in developing negotiation strategy including supplier profiles, commercial negotiations targets, defining switching costs, and building total cost of ownership (TCO)
Closely monitor market drivers affecting the category including raw material pricing and availability, supplier capacity, industry disruptions and new products as applicable.
Responsible for forecasting, reporting, mitigating, and recovery of commodity inflation
Effectively work and build relationships with those of diverse backgrounds and organizational levels
Other duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, construction management, engineering, or equivalent combinations of technical training and/or related experience
Minimum 7 years of experience
Current driver’s license
Knowledge of construction processes, equipment and materials, purchasing processes and procedures
Negotiating, organizing, planning, verbal and communication skills
Strong strategic thinking, business acumen, and negotiations skills
Effective communication and presentation skills
Strong organization, planning and decision-making skills
Ability to influence without authority
Active listening skills and effective communication including an openness to diverse input and feedback
Technical understanding of power conversion technology
Ability to travel up to 20-30%

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

sourcing strategycategory strategyfinancial analysisnegotiation strategycost drivers analysissupplier relationship managementmarket analysisforecastingrisk mitigationpricing strategies

Soft Skills

strategic thinkingbusiness acumennegotiation skillscommunication skillspresentation skillsorganizational skillsplanning skillsdecision-making skillsinfluence without authorityactive listening

Certifications

Bachelor's degree in businessBachelor's degree in supply chain managementBachelor's degree in construction managementBachelor's degree in engineering