Category Leader, MRO

Kohler is seeking a Category Leader, MRO to drive sourcing strategy for maintenance, repair, and operations across our manufacturing network. You will analyze spend, lead supplier selection and negotiations, and secure reliable, cost-effective MRO goods and services. Partnering with operations, maintenance, and finance, you will standardize categories, optimize inventory, manage contracts, and track KPIs for quality, cost, and service. Join a global manufacturer that values craftsmanship, innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement in modern production environments.

Responsibilities

• Own sourcing strategy for MRO categories across manufacturing plants
• Analyze spend data to identify cost-saving and value-creation opportunities
• Select, negotiate, and manage suppliers to ensure quality, cost, and service
• Drive contract development, compliance, and risk mitigation
• Partner with operations, maintenance, and finance on MRO needs and priorities
• Implement KPIs and scorecards to track supplier and category performance
• Lead continuous improvement and standardization of MRO parts and services
• Support inventory optimization and reliability-centered maintenance initiatives
• Collaborate globally to leverage scale and best practices
• Prepare reports and recommendations for leadership on category performance

Required Skills

• Strategic sourcing
• Category management
• MRO procurement
• Supplier negotiation
• Contract management
• Data and spend analysis
• Manufacturing operations knowledge
• Inventory optimization
• Supplier performance management
• ERP/procurement systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle)