Category Manager - MRO at RPS North America

Chicago, Illinois, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Steel, ManufacturingIndustries

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Manufacturing, or Business Administration required
CPSM or similar professional certification preferred
MBA is a plus
Minimum 5 years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or category management in a heavy manufacturing environment
Proven success managing MRO categories or related industrial supply categories
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive change in a matrixed organization
Experience in Steel, Metals, Mining or related industries preferred
Experience managing MRO spend portfolios of $50M+ is a plus
Strategic Sourcing & TCO Modeling
Cross-Functional Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
Contract Development & Supplier Negotiations
Supplier Performance Management & Scorecarding

Responsibilities

Lead the creation and implementation of multi-year category strategies that align with business goals and target improvements in cost, quality, and service
Own the MRO category portfolio, ensuring a competitive and resilient supply base that meets operational and commercial goals
Coordinate with local and regional stakeholders to drive alignment, adoption, and measurable operational impact
Manage end-to-end sourcing processes, including supplier identification, RFP development, negotiations, and contracting
Drive value through total cost of ownership (TCO) improvements, risk mitigation, and supplier consolidation
Collaborate with Legal and Finance teams to support contract development, internal approvals, and compliance tracking
Lead cross-functional teams involving Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Logistics, and Finance to define KPIs and track supplier performance, ensuring procurement delivers measurable value beyond cost savings
Build and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders to drive alignment, ensure continuous feedback, and support long-term category planning and execution
Drive stakeholder engagement throughout sourcing and implementation phases to ensure smooth adoption of contracts, compliance with negotiated terms, and realization of intended value
Build and manage supplier relationships through performance scorecards and structured business reviews
Leverage spend data, cost models, and market intelligence to identify opportunities, validate sourcing decisions, and track category performance
Partner with analytics and IT teams to build Power BI dashboards and reporting tools
Monitor and report on KPIs, including cost savings, supplier scorecards, and service level metrics
Monitor global and regional market trends, capacity shifts, input costs, and geopolitical risks that impact MRO categories
Performs other duties as they might be assigned

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Category ManagementStrategic SourcingSupplier ManagementRFP DevelopmentContract NegotiationTotal Cost of OwnershipRisk MitigationSupplier ConsolidationStakeholder EngagementKPI TrackingProcurement

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What qualifications are required for the Category Manager - MRO role?

A Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Manufacturing, or Business Administration is required. CPSM or similar professional certification is preferred, and an MBA is a plus.

What is the salary or compensation for this position?

This information is not specified in the job description.

Is this a remote position or does it require office work?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What is the company culture like at Orion Steel Group?

The company emphasizes collaboration to solve problems, contribute ideas, and challenge each other for growth and success. They are committed to maintaining a safe, healthy, and injury-free environment.

What makes a strong candidate for this Category Manager role?

Strong candidates will have a relevant Bachelor’s degree, sourcing and supplier management experience, and skills in strategic planning, stakeholder collaboration, data analysis, and market trend monitoring.

RPS North America

Global consulting firm for diverse sectors

About RPS North America

RPS North America provides consulting and advisory services across various sectors, including property, energy, transport, defense, government services, and water resources. The company helps clients, which range from large corporations to non-profits, navigate complex challenges and achieve regulatory compliance through a wide array of services. These services include management consulting, environmental consulting, project management, and digital solutions, among others. RPS North America stands out from its competitors by leveraging its deep expertise and global presence to deliver tailored solutions that meet specific client needs. The company's goal is to drive sustainable growth and address critical issues such as infrastructure development and risk management, ensuring a consistent demand for its high-value services.

Delft, NetherlandsHeadquarters

1970Year Founded

$31.5KTotal Funding

ACQUISITIONCompany Stage

Consulting, Energy, Enterprise SoftwareIndustries

5,001-10,000Employees