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Category Buyer - Sourcing Specialist
- Brunswick (Fond Du Lac, WI)
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_Are you ready for what’s next?_
_Come explore opportunities within Brunswick, a global marine leader (https://youtube.com/watch?v=ksuQ6B2j\_mA) committed to challenging conventions and innovating next-generation technologies that transform experiences on the water and beyond. Brunswick believes “Next Never Rests™,” and we offer a variety of exciting careers and growth opportunities within united teams defining the future of marine recreation._
Innovation is the heart of Brunswick. See how your contributions will help transform vision into reality:
Position Overview:
The **Category Buyer – Sourcing Specialist** is a key contributor in developing and executing strategic sourcing initiatives for highly engineered products across multiple component categories. This role focuses on optimizing supply for new product launches and strategic business initiatives by driving cost efficiency, managing supply risk, and building resilient supply chains.
This individual collaborates closely with a global supplier base and cross-functional internal teams to ensure the sourcing of high-quality components at the lowest total cost, aligned with Mercury’s operational and growth objectives.
At Brunswick, we have passion for our work and a distinct ability to deliver.
Key Responsibilities:
Sourcing Strategy & Execution
+ Support the development and implementation of sourcing strategies that align with category goals and broader business objectives
+ Lead or support RFQ processes, supplier selection, and contract negotiations
+ Conduct cost and risk analyses to inform strategic sourcing decisions
+ Continuously identify cost optimization and value engineering opportunities through “should cost” modeling and industry benchmarking
+ Obtain supplier component feasibility studies, support technical reviews and APQP development processes
Supplier Relationship Management
+ Establish and maintain strategic, long-term supplier partnerships with a focus on transparency, performance, and continuous improvement
+ Act as a key liaison between engineering and suppliers to ensure manufacturability (DFM), product design compatibility, and successful production ramp-up
+ Facilitate supplier audits and business reviews to align capabilities with Mercury’s quality, cost, delivery and relationship expectations
Project & Change Management
+ Lead sourcing activities through all phases of new product introductions, from concept to production readiness, serial production and service requirements
+ Use project management tools to monitor progress, manage risks, and ensure timely execution of deliverables
+ Navigate engineering or supplier-driven changes using formal change management processes, ensuring minimal disruption and full stakeholder alignment
Financial & Cost Management
+ Analyze supplier quotations and cost structures to support negotiations and maintain competitive cost positions
+ Oversee tooling investment processes, ensuring supplier accountability and cost transparency
+ Track and explain cost variances, support commercial recovery of excess costs based on supplier performance issues, and maintain accurate year-over-year standard cost data
Cross-Functional Collaboration
+ Partner closely with Engineering, Operations, Service, and Finance to align sourcing plans with business needs
+ Communicate effectively across all stakeholder groups to ensure supply chain transparency and responsiveness
+ Actively contribute to the Category Team’s strategic planning and performance review processes
Diversity of thought and experiences is fundamental when imagining the unimaginable. Certain skillsets/experiences are necessary; however, others can be developed along the way.
Required Qualifications:
+ BS/BA in Supply Chain, Operations Management, Engineering or related field
+ Minimum of 5 years of experience in sourcing, supply management, or engineering within a manufacturing environment
+ Strong analytical, negotiation, and project management skills
+ Proven ability to build and manage strategic supplier relationships
+ CPSM and CPIM certification preferred
+ Lean Six Sigma Green Belt preferred
Working Conditions:
+ Hybrid work environment with expectation to be in the office a minimum of 3 days per work week.
+ This position will require occasional day and/or overnight travel by auto or airplane, up to 20%.
The anticipated pay range for this position is $72,000 to $115,300 USD annually. The actual base pay offered will vary depending on multiple factors including job- related knowledge/skills, relevant experience, business needs, and geographic location. In addition to base pay, this position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.
At Brunswick, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top end of the salary range for their role. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the specifics of the candidate’s qualifications and the business context.
This position is eligible to participate in Brunswick's comprehensive and high-quality benefits offerings, including medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, 401k (up to 4% match), Health Savings Account (with company contribution), well-being program, product purchase discounts and much more. Details about our benefits can be found here (https://www.brunswick.com/careers/culture-benefits/benefits) .
Why Brunswick:
Whatever tomorrow brings, we’ll be at the leading edge. As the clear leader in the marine industry, we’re committed to our values and supporting our exceptional people. We offer and encourage growth opportunities within and across our many brands. In addition, we’re proud of being recognized for making a splash with numerous awards (https://www.brunswick.com/careers) !
About Mercury Marine:
Mercury Marine is a world leading manufacturer of marine propulsion systems. A $2.6 billion division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), Mercury designs, manufactures and distributes engines, services and parts for recreational, commercial and government marine applications, empowering boaters with products that are easy to use, extremely reliable and backed by the most dedicated customer support in the world with 10,000 service points globally. Mercury’s industry-leading brand portfolio includes Mercury outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrive and inboard packages; Mercury global parts and accessories including propellers, and SmartCraft electronics; Power Products Integrated Solutions; MotorGuide trolling motors; Attwood, Garelick and Whale marine parts; Land ’N’ Sea, BLA, Payne’s Marine, Kellogg Marine & Lankhorst Taselaar marine parts distribution; and Mercury and Quicksilver parts and oils. More information is available at mercurymarine.com
_Next is Now!_
_We value growth and development, recognizing that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying._
Brunswick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is key to innovation and inspiration and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact [email protected] for support.
For more information about EEO laws, - click here (https://www.eeoc.gov/employees-job-applicants)
Brunswick and Workday (https://www.workday.com/en-us/service-privacy.html?&\_rda=/company/service\_privacy.php) Privacy Policies
Brunswick does not accept applications, inquiries or solicitations from unapproved staffing agencies or vendors. For help, please contact our support team at: [email protected] or 866-278-6942.
All job offers will come to you via the candidate portal you create when applying through a posted position through https:///www.brunswick.com/careers . If you are ever unsure about what is being required of you during the application process or its source, please contact HR Shared Services at 866-278-6942 or [email protected] .
\#Brunswick Corporation - Mercury Marine
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