Category Leader, Construction

Category Leader, Construction

Work Mode:Onsite

Location:?Onsite, 4 days per week ? Kohler, WI

Opportunity

TheCategory Leader-Constructionis responsible forthe strategic procurement ofmajor Constructionand Facilities capital projectsacrossKohler?sUS sites. This keyrole supportslarge projectpurchasingactivities while ensuring compliance withinternal processes,contracts, and global procurement policies. Theposition holderwill act as the primary procurement partnerwith the Construction team andwillworkcollaborativelytoensureon time delivery of projects, cost control, andquality.

Specific Responsibilities

• Procurement Strategy & Execution:
  • Develop and execute a 3?5 yearcategory strategy that aligns with theCapital Plan, risk, and stakeholder priorities.
  • Lead complex sourcing events and negotiations across different delivery models.
  • Drive value creation (savings, cost avoidance, cash, contract compliance, supplierconsolidation).
  • Establish and govern preferred supplier/partner ecosystem and manage performance.
  • Own category governance, including sourcing playbooks, approval thresholds, bid requirements, and audit readiness.
  • Delivery against departmentalKPIs, including costsavingsandavoidance, DPOandsupplier consolidation.

• Supplier & Contract Compliance:
  
  • Lead contract framework development (templates, rate cards, escalation clauses, warranty standards) with Legal/Finance.
  • Implement supplier risk management and contingency planning.
  • Build and lead supplier performance management, including QBRs, KPIs, escalationmanagement and performance governance.
  • Ensureprojectshave reputable suppliers in place throughathorough supplier selectionprocessandconductingappropriate duediligence.
  • Ensure robust contracts are in place that protect the business from a commercial and legal perspective.
    
• Continuous Improvement& Innovation:
  • Works alongside stakeholdersinidentifyingprocurement improvement opportunities.
  • Promotes and leads value engineering exercises forConstruction and Facilities Capital projects .
  • Stays at the forefront ofleading trends inConstructionindustry, particularly those that bringcost saving and/orsustainability benefit.
  • Driving standardization to reducecontractcycle time and variability.
  • Embedding sustainability and responsible sourcing into strategy andselection.
  • Activelyparticipatesin non-sourcing purchasing projects, asrequired.
    
• Stakeholder Leadership & Governance:
  
  • Act as strategic procurement advisor to Construction leadership.
    
  • Lead cross-functional governance to balance cost, risk, schedule, and quality.
    
  • Coach stakeholders on sourcing policy and supplier performance.

Success Measures

• Annualized cost savings/avoidance
  
• 90%+ usage of Kohler contract templates
  
• Supplier consolidation
  
• DPO improvement
  
• Sourcing cycle time
  
• Supplier performance
  
• Partner with stakeholders to proactively manage project timelines and budgets per requirements

Skills/Requirements

• 7+ years? experience within Indirect Sourcing,includingat least 3+ years in Construction/Capitalproject category management.
• A track recordof significant cost saving/avoidance within complex stakeholder environments.
  
• Familiarity with capital project contracting models (e.g. design-build, AIAetc).
  
• Degree in either Supply Chain,Construction,Operations, Business orEngineering.
  
• Able to workon sitein Kohler, WI(4daysper week).
  
• Travel up to5% to other Kohlersites and/or suppliers.

#LI-SW1

#LI-Onsite

Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

We believe in supporting you from the moment you join us, which is why Kohler offers day 1 benefits. This means you?ll have access to your applicable benefit programs from your first day on the job, with no waiting period. The salary range for this position is $105,000 - $162,500. The specific salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate?s experience, their education, and the work location. In addition, this position is eligible for a performance bonvariable incentive compensation.

Why Choose Kohler?
We empower each associate to #BecomeMoreAtKohler with a competitive total rewards package to support your health and wellbeing, access to career growth and development opportunities, a diverse and inclusive workplace, and a strong culture of innovation. With more than 30,000 bold leaders across the globe, we?re driving meaningful change in our mission to help people live gracious, healthy, and sustainable lives.

About Us
It is Kohler?s policy to recruit, hire, and promote qualified applicants without regard to race, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran. If, as an individual with a disability, you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact . Kohler Co. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.