Are you a strategic sourcing professional who thrives on building supplier partnerships and driving measurable cost savings across a regional manufacturing footprint? Then join us in our mission to pioneer smarter solutions for moving and transforming water, reducing energy consumption, and enhancing quality of life for people.

As our new Senior Category Manager - Direct, you will be developing and executing sourcing strategies for direct materials across the Americas Region, aligning regional suppliers to long-term business objectives while delivering on cost savings targets and supply chain performance KPIs. You'll be part of a diverse, supportive and inclusive culture, that celebrates our differences and puts people first by fostering growth, well-being, and a sense of belonging.

This position reports to the Purchasing Manager and works on a hybrid schedule from our facility in San Luis Potosi, SLP, Mexico. Relocation for this position cannot be supported and qualified candidates must be authorized to work in Mexico without support now or in the future.

What you will be doing

As a key part of the Americas Purchase team, you'll create impact by Leading cross-functional sourcing initiatives that strengthen our supplier base, reduce total cost of ownership, and ensure reliable supply across multiple manufacturing sites in the Americas.

Your main responsibilities include:

• Develop and present sourcing strategies at management and executive reviews, ensuring alignment with Grundfos long-term objectives and regional supplier requirements.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, payment terms, and lead times with suppliers, implementing agreements across multiple sites in the Americas Region.
• Initiate and conduct Supplier Relationship Management meetings to build partnerships, reduce costs, improve quality, and drive on-time delivery performance.
• Evaluate market trends, commodity pricing, and cost drivers to identify and prioritize material cost reduction opportunities and control purchase price variances.
• Lead cross-company teams in strategic supplier development, new vendor evaluation, and product/supplier change initiatives.
• Leverage SAP, Sievo, Scanmarket, and other tools for data analysis, project tracking, and reporting on savings targets and critical operating tasks.

What makes you a great fit

Above all, you are a results-driven procurement professional with deep direct materials category management expertise, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to build collaborative relationships across plants, functions, and global teams. We would also imagine that you have:

• Bachelor's degree (preferred) with 10+ years of experience in purchasing or strategic sourcing.
• Direct material category management experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Fluent in English (reading, writing, speaking) including technical vocabulary.
• Strong negotiation skills and proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint; aptitude to learn SAP, Sievo, and CLM tools.

It is a plus if you also have:

• Experience implementing sourcing strategies across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Familiarity with SAP, Sievo, or Scanmarket procurement platforms.
• Ability to travel and valid driver's license with capability to obtain a passport.

Why you will love working here

We care! Day to day, you can look forward to:

• A working environment built around your needs, with hybrid working opportunities.
• Annual bonuses, health insurance and a strong focus on well-being activities.
• Three days' additional paid leave for volunteering in your community.
• Access to on-demand training and learning sessions and carefully structured programes to pursue personal and professional development opportunities.

We are inclusive! Celebrating and valuing our differences helps us see possibilities where others can't. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from all abilities, experiences, and backgrounds.

Are you ready to unlock possibilities at Grundfos? Apply today!

To get to know us better, follow us on LinkedIn or visit grundfos.com