Category Manager I for the Value Innovation Group
Posting Start Date: 8/7/26
Job Location (Short): Peoria, Illinois, USA, 61639
Requisition ID: 36437
Onsite or Remote: Onsite Position
Job OverviewConduct sourcing cost reduction activities with a focus on fabrication. Identify and qualify suppliers capable of providing products and services to meet OE and Aftermarket requirements in accordance with SLQDC principals; ensuring productivity, continuous improvement, and negotiated lowest total overall cost. Manage global sourcing activities.
Key Job Responsibilities- Develop specific category strategies for single or multiple categories of spend. i.e. Steel, Castings, Forgings, Machining, Hydraulic, Mechanical, Electronics, etc.
- Standardize Contracts and Master Purchase Agreements for category purchases as directed by the business strategies and corporate goals.
- Monitor supply markets and commodity trending for competitive changes and prepare cost models for respective category.
- Primary owner of Supplier Relationship Management for strategic supply base within given category.
- Be a leader and work independently to establish strategy timeline, managing deliverables, and ability to appropriately identify and escalate issues when needed
- Perform high-level global category analysis (Full spend and segment spend into sub-category if needed).
- Sourcing Strategy & Negotiation - Develop and implement the commodity sourcing strategy through analysis of global markets, raw materials trends, technology, value chain analysis, and long-term sourcing plans. Prepare for and lead supplier negotiations. Initiate and manage RFI's, RFP's, and RFQ's.
- Owner of master data.
- Perform industry research to identify qualified supplier candidates to meet Komatsu needs. Benchmark best in class suppliers.
- Perform "Should Cost Analysis" cost models for each category group to fully understand cost make-up and drive optimal cost decisions.
- Supplier Relationships - Understand type of supplier relationship required, ongoing oversight of supplier relationships with responsibilities for all commercial aspects including negotiations, contracts, partnerships, continuous improvements, etc.
- Support cost reduction goals established by top management and develop and drive actions to meet the short term and long-term cost reduction goals.
- Evaluate various supplier performance metrics including related value elements, performance trends and risk analysis to ensure category strategy is working and corrective action taken when needed.
- Ongoing evaluation of the supply base in the areas of market research, product quality, competitive pricing, capability, and capacity. Perform SWAT and supplier risk analysis.
- May be required to perform other related duties as required or assigned.
Qualifications/Requirements- Ideal candidates will possess a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering. Other Degrees with a combination of relevant experience on a focused group of commodities may be considered.
- CPIM, CSCP or CPM Certification a plus
- 5+ years of relevant working experience
- Experience working in an ERP environment (SAP a plus)
- Systems skills: SAP, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Ariba
- The position requires a thorough knowledge of commodities assigned to the Category Manager under various conditions and cultures on a global basis. The position must balance the needs of Komatsu regional and global business development strategies to optimize market conditions and business results.
- Proprietary information including technical specifications, drawings, etc.
- Management and support of $1.6 Billion in overall spend.
- Procurement department typically responsible for cost reduction activities of ~1% of annual receipts.
- Work closely with regional purchasing, aftermarket, NPD, and sales/marketing teams to monitor and drive compliance to the strategic category strategies.
- Conflicting Supplier/ Komatsu concerns and interests. Must be communicated, understood and resolved by the individual for the process to be successful.
- Knowledge and understanding of business cultural and financial differences in numerous countries.
- Develop relationships and cost model strategies with key suppliers to mitigate effects of volatile materials market.
- Maintaining healthy supplier relationships in difficult market conditions and resolving conflicts.
Additional Information- Percentage of Travel: 25% - 40% (most common destinations: United States, Japan, China, Asia, Europe, India, Mexico, Peru, Russia, South Africa, South America and Australia).
- Each Category Manager will develop commercial strategy of how to procure required materials within the given category with a typical value of ~$150M per annum spend globally.
Hiring Range At Komatsu, your base pay is one part of your total compensation package. This role pays $78,500 - $98,100. The actual offer will consider a wide range of factors, including experience and location.
Company Benefits Komatsu provides an extensive and robust employee benefits package that is designed to enhance the well-being of our employees and family members. We embrace a positive and empowering employee experience with a culture that prides itself on a diverse and inclusive environment.
- Health benefits: Medical, dental, vision, HSA, wellness programs, etc.
- 401k and/or employee savings programs
- Employee time off (vacation and designated holidays)
- Employee and family assistance programs
- Disability benefits
- Life insurance
- Employee learning and development programs
