Category Buyer

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. 

Innovation is the heart of Brunswick.  See how your contributions will help transform vision into reality:

Position Overview: 

The Plant 7 Category Buyer is a key individual contributor within Mercury’s direct material procurement organization, focused on sourcing and managing suppliers mainly supporting Plant 7 operations. Reporting to the Site Procurement Manager, this role is responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, and driving improvements in cost, quality, delivery, and innovation to support Mercury’s manufacturing and new product development objectives.

At Brunswick, we have passion for our work and a distinct ability to deliver. 

Key Responsibilities:

Supplier Management

• Build and maintain strong business relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment on requirements and expectations.
• Conduct supplier audits and business reviews to drive engagement and continuous improvement.
• Facilitate Requests for Quote (RFQs), analyze quotations, and recommend supplier selections based on total cost of ownership and strategic fit.
• Lead contract development, negotiation, and execution, ensuring compliance with agreed terms.
• Ensure suppliers meet Mercury’s standards for quality, delivery, and compliance.

Sourcing & Cost Management

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies aligned with category objectives and operational needs.
• Negotiate pricing and commercial terms to achieve optimal cost outcomes.
• Perform detailed cost analysis, including benchmarking and ‘should cost’ modeling, to validate supplier proposals.
• Identify and implement cost reduction initiatives without compromising quality or delivery.
• Execute purchase orders, requisitions, and appropriation requests for the purchasing of tooling, components, and services as required

Project Management

• Manage sourcing projects from concept through production launch, ensuring quality, cost, and timing objectives are met.
• Coordinate change management processes for design or supplier-driven changes, ensuring timely execution and communication.
• Monitor and report project schedules, risks, and deliverables to stakeholders.

Supply Assurance

• Ensure continuity of supply supporting operations, proactively addressing potential disruptions.
• Support escalation and resolution of supplier delivery or quality issues.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with engineering, operations, and finance teams to align procurement objectives with business needs.
• Actively participate in category strategy development and execution.

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 Supply Chain, Operations Management, Engineering, or related field
• 3+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or supplier management roles
• Strong negotiation and cost management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications
• Excellent organizational and time management skills; ability to manage multiple priorities

Preferred Qualifications:

• CPSM or CPIM certification
• Lean Six Sigma certification

Business Travel Expectations:

• This position will require occasional domestic and international travel, up to 20%.

The anticipated pay range for this position is $72,000 to $115,300 annually. The actual base pay offered will vary depending on multiple factors including job- related knowledge/skills, relevant experience, business needs, and geographic location. In addition to base pay, this position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.

At Brunswick, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top end of the salary range for their role. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the specifics of the candidate’s qualifications and the business context.

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: 

Whatever tomorrow brings, we’ll be at the leading edge.  As the clear leader in the marine industry, we’re committed to our values and supporting our exceptional people. We offer and encourage growth opportunities within and across our many brands. In addition, we’re proud of being recognized for making a splash with numerous awards! 

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 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