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Senior Category Buyer

Mercury Marine · Fond du Lac, WI · $86,500–$126,800 a year · Full time

Posted Jul 10, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Walk me through a sourcing strategy you built for a category, start to finish. What was the goal and how did you get supplier buy-in along with sign-off from engineering or operations?

What they are checking: whether the candidate can own the full strategic sourcing cycle and align cross-functional stakeholders, not just run RFQs

Tell me about a time a supplier's delivery performance was chronically off track. What did you do to fix it, and what happened with the relationship afterward?

What they are checking: ability to manage supplier accountability without burning the relationship, since the role leans on long-term partnerships

Describe a negotiation where the supplier had real leverage over you. What was your approach and how did it end?

What they are checking: negotiating skill under unfavorable conditions rather than easy wins

Tell me about a supplier business review you led. What came out of it that wouldn't have happened without that meeting?

What they are checking: whether supplier reviews actually drive change or are just a check-the-box ritual for this person

Tell me about the last time you had to recover cost from a supplier after a performance failure. How did you build the case and what was the resolution?

What they are checking: comfort with commercial recovery conversations, a specific and harder-edged responsibility in this role

What would you do

Say you're running an RFQ for a hydraulic or propulsion component and the lowest bid comes from a supplier engineering flags as a capability risk. How do you handle the recommendation you bring to the business?

What they are checking: whether cost pressure gets balanced against quality and risk rather than chasing the cheapest number

A key supplier tells you a cost increase is coming through no fault of your program, maybe raw material prices. Walk me through how you'd analyze it and respond before it hits your budget.

What they are checking: structured thinking on cost change analysis and forecasting under pressure

You discover a supplier's capacity can't keep up with a ramp in production volume six months out. What's your plan?

What they are checking: proactive risk management and contingency planning versus reactive firefighting

Tell me about a component change request that got messy, maybe engineering wanted a change late in the game. How did you manage the disposition and execution?

What they are checking: ability to manage change control across engineering, supplier, and production timelines

About the work

How do you build a should-cost model, and can you give an example where it changed the outcome of a negotiation?

What they are checking: real hands-on cost analysis skill versus buzzword familiarity with should-cost modeling

Walk me through your experience with APQP and PPAP. Where in that process do you typically get pulled in, and what's gone wrong before?

What they are checking: depth of hands-on process knowledge versus surface-level exposure to quality gates

Tell me about a component tooling program you managed. How did you track the budget and lifecycle, and what happened when something needed to be replaced sooner than planned?

What they are checking: practical grasp of tooling cost management, a specific and concrete responsibility in this role

How have you used Power BI or similar tools to track supplier performance or spend? What did the data actually change about a decision you made?

What they are checking: whether data skills translate into decisions, not just dashboards

Have you worked with hydraulic or marine propulsion component suppliers before? What's different about sourcing in that space compared to more generic categories?

What they are checking: direct relevance of category expertise, a preferred qualification the interviewer will probe if claimed

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The full job description

As published by Mercury Marine.

Are you ready for what’s next? Come explore opportunities within Brunswick, a global marine leader committed to challenging conventions and innovating next-generation technologies that transform experiences on the water and beyond. Brunswick believes “Next Never Rests™,” and we offer a variety of exciting careers and growth opportunities within united teams defining the future of marine recreation. Location: Fond du Lac, WI Workplace Category: Hybrid Travel Required: Occasional; 20-25% Direct Reports: No Pay Range: $86,500 – $126,800 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 Innovation is the heart of Brunswick. See how your contributions will help transform vision into reality: Position Overview: The Senior Category Buyer is a key contributor in developing and executing strategic sourcing initiatives for their portfolio . This role actively collaborates with suppliers and internal stakeholders throughout the product lifecycle, from initial sourcing and development through serial production and service support. Activities strive to optimize product launch effectiveness, supplier cost and operational performance, innovation, and risk management in a dynamic global landscape At Brunswick, we have passion for our work and a distinct ability to deliver. Key Responsibilities: • Actively contribute to the development and execution of sourcing strategies aligned with category goals and broader business objectives in partnership with Engineering, Quality, Operations, Service, and Finance • Build strategic, long-term supplier partnerships focused on transparency, performance, and continuous improvement • Visit suppliers to assess capability, deepen category knowledge, and monitor market trends • Lead requests for quotation, analyze for competitiveness, negotiate terms, and make sourcing recommendations that balance cross-functional and strategic needs • Obtain supplier component feasibility studies and support APQP development processes • Continuously identify cost optimization and value engineering opportunities through “should cost” modeling and industry benchmarking • Process purchase requisitions and purchase orders for components and tooling • Ensure supplier capacity is aligned with business needs and delivery performance meets program and manufacturing schedules, drive resolution to chronic performance issues • Provide effective analysis, forecasting, and implementation of cost changes • Manage component tooling lifecycle for accurate budgeting of costs and timely maintenance or replacement • Support commercial recovery of excess costs resulting from supplier performance issues • Lead supplier business reviews to align expectations, develop new opportunities, and drive continuous improvement • Manage and execute projects successfully with strong planning, attention to detail, risk management, and communication • Manage component change requests for effective disposition and execution • Monitor supply base risks, proactively plan and execute mitigations 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: • BS/BA in Engineering (preferred), Operations Management, Supply Chain, or a related field • Minimum of 7+ years of experience in sourcing, procurement, or supplier management roles • Proven success in project management and cross-functional team leadership • Excellent negotiating and cost management skills; adept at managing conflict and handling difficult situations • Strong data analysis abilities and software skills, including Microsoft Excel and Power BI; proficient with Word, PowerPoint, and Project • Proficient with engineering prints and specifications, APQP, and PPAP processes • Excellent time management and organization skills; able to manage multiple ongoing projects and adapt to changing business needs • Positive attitude, ethics, and international values to promote a healthy, diverse, high-performance culture • Possess strong communication skills, including written and verbal, as well as interpersonal skills • Occasional day and/or overnight travel, up to 25%, domestic and international. This role may also require occasional calls outside of normal business hours to support global operations and supplier coordination. Preferred Qualifications: • Expertise in raw materials, manufacturing processes, and supply base for hydraulic components and/or marine propulsion system components • Experience in original equipment manufacturer (OEM) setting with comparable scale and requirements to Mercury • CPSM and/or CPIM certifications • Lean and Six Sigma certification and application experience The hiring range for this position is $86,500 to $126,800 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 here. Why Brunswick: Brunswick Corporation is a leader in the marine industry, and we’re looking for people just like you to take part in the movement towards better boating for all. We rely on the thoughtful input of people from all backgrounds to create compelling, innovative products for our customers around the globe. As such, diversity, equity, and inclusion are priorities in the enduring culture of our company. As a world leader in emerging recreational products and technologies, when you join our team, you become part of some of the most innovative, forward-looking brands in the marine industry today. About Mercury Marine: Headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Mercury Marine® is the world’s leading manufacturer of recreational marine propulsion engines. A division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), Mercury provides engines, boats, services and parts for recreational, commercial and government marine applications. Mercury empowers boaters with products that are easy to use, extremely reliable and backed by the most dedicated customer support in the world. The company’s industry-leading brand portfolio includes Mercury outboard engines, Mercury MerCruiser® sterndrive and inboard packages, Mercury propellers, Mercury inflatable boats, Mercury SmartCraft® electronics, Land 'N' Sea marine parts distribution and Mercury and Quicksilver® parts and oils. More information is available at MercuryMarine.com. 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. Brunswick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is key to innovation and inspiration and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact hrsharedservices@brunswick.com for support. For more information about EEO laws, - click here Brunswick Corporation participates in E-Verify as part of our commitment to a lawful and transparent hiring process. For additional information click here: https://www.brunswick.com/e-verify . Brunswick and Workday Privacy Policies Brunswick does not accept applications, inquiries or solicitations from unapproved staffing agencies or vendors. For help, please contact our support team at: hrsharedservices@brunswick.com or 866-278-6942. All job offers will come to you via the candidate portal you create when applying through a posted position through https:///www.brunswick.com/careers . If you are ever unsure about what is being required of you during the application process or its source, please contact HR Shared Services at 866-278-6942 or HRSharedServices@brunswick.com . #Brunswick Corporation - Mercury Marine

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