Location: Fond du Lac, WI

Workplace Category: Hybrid

Travel Required: Regular; 30%+

Direct Reports: Yes

Pay Range:  $103,200 – $144,000

Visa Sponsorship: Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.  This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Relocation: Yes

Mercury Marine is seeking a strategic and results-oriented Electrical Category Manager to lead the sourcing and category management strategy for electrical components, systems, and related technologies. This role is responsible for developing and executing category strategies that support new product development and current production while driving supplier performance, cost optimization, innovation, risk mitigation, and supply continuity.

The Electrical Category Manager will serve as a key business partner across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Operations, and Finance, translating technical requirements into sourcing strategies and supplier actions that support business objectives.

This role also includes people leadership responsibilities, including coaching, developing, and leading a high-performing team while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Essential Functions:

Category Strategy and Management

• Develop and execute category strategies for electrical components, assemblies, and related technologies aligned with business goals.
• Build and communicate a clear category vision focused on quality, delivery, total cost, innovation, and supply continuity.
• Monitor market conditions, supplier capabilities, technology trends, and business risks to inform sourcing decisions and long-range planning.

Supplier Management

• Develop and manage strategic supplier relationships that meet current and future business needs.
• Lead supplier selection, sourcing strategy development, and supplier performance management activities.
• Proactively identify and mitigate supply risks that could impact quality, delivery, capacity, or continuity of supply.
• Drive continuous improvement and early supplier engagement to support innovation, technical readiness, and execution.

Cost and Contract Management

• Support or lead commercial negotiations, contract development, and pricing strategy for the category.
• Identify and execute cost optimization opportunities while maintaining required quality, performance, and service levels.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and category cost management activities.
• Ensure contracts and commercial agreements address risk, compliance, and long-term business requirements.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, and Operations to align sourcing strategies with technical and business requirements.
• Translate technical requirements into commercial strategies and supplier action plans.
• Support new product development, engineering changes, resourcing activities, cost reduction, and current production requirements.
• Serve as a strategic partner to internal stakeholders to drive execution for the overall benefit of the business.

People Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team aligned to category and business priorities.
• Set clear goals, establish expectations, provide ongoing coaching, and support career development.
• Foster a team culture focused on accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Build organizational capability by developing talent, strengthening functional expertise, and driving alignment through change.

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

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in category management, procurement, strategic sourcing, supply chain, engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience in supplier relationship management, contract negotiation, and cost management in technically complex categories.
• Experience supporting both new product development and current production in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading, coaching, and developing teams and/or cross-functional resources.
• Occasional day and/or overnight travel, up to 20%, domestic and international

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or advanced degree.
• Experience in a global organization and/or matrix environment.
• Experience with highly engineered products and complex, multi-tier supply chains.
• Category experience with electrical components or systems such as wiring harnesses, connectors, switches, sensors, controls, control modules, motors, power electronics, or related assemblies.
• Strong analytical, financial, project management, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, sourcing tools, and data analysis platforms.

The hiring range for this position is $103,200 to $144,000 annually. The actual base pay offered will vary based on multiple factors including job-related knowledge/skills, relevant experience, business needs, and geographic location. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the specifics of the candidate’s qualifications and the business context.

In addition to base pay, this position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. 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

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.