Description:
The Category Manager, Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) is responsible for developing sourcing strategies, driving supplier performance, and optimizing cost across a portfolio that includes Bearings & Parts, Rolls, Repairs, Machining and Safety Supplies. This role is pivotal in ensuring of continuity of critical MRO services while delivering bottom-line impact through supplier engagement, strategic sourcing initiatives, and total cost improvements across all North American operations.
Orion Steel is committed to maintaining and promoting a safe, healthy and injury-free environment. It is required for all jobs.
- 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
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 & Score carding