Category Manager

With more than $1B in revenue, Tennant Company is a globally recognized leader in the cleaning equipment industry. For the past 150 years, we have been passionate about developing and manufacturing innovative and sustainable solutions for our customers. At Tennant Company, we are committed to stewardship and creating a cleaner, safer and healthier world. With manufacturing, operations and sales, service, and support functions across the globe, your journey at Tennant can take you places you never expected.

As a Category Manager, you will manage direct sourcing and procurement initiatives for a select group of critical components. In this high-impact role, you will be responsible for developing and executing category strategies that drive cost efficiency, supplier performance, and innovation across the supply chain. The ideal candidate for this role is highly collaborative, analytical, skilled in project management, and has a strong understanding of sourcing and procurement best practices.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies for assigned product categories.
• Analyze market trends, supplier capabilities, and business requirements to optimize sourcing decisions.
• Lead supplier selection, negotiation, performance, and relationship management to ensure quality, cost, and delivery goals are met.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, manufacturing, quality, operations, legal, etc.) to align sourcing strategies, prioritize initiatives, and deliver functional goals.
• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities and value-added initiatives across the category.
• Leverage knowledge of geopolitical shifts to develop risk mitigation strategies and ensure supply continuity.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, governance processes, industry regulations, and ethical sourcing standards.
• Use data analytics and procurement tools to track performance metrics and improve category visibility.
• Cultivate strong, strategic relationships with key suppliers and internal stakeholders.

 
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 5 (five) years of experience in strategic sourcing, category management, or procurement in manufacturing or industrial sectors.
• Proven experience with cost analysis, supplier negotiations, and contract management.
• Deep knowledge of industrial equipment categories (e.g., castings, machined parts, hydraulics, motors, etc.).
• Proven experience with cost analysis, supplier negotiations, and contract management.
• Proficient in ERP systems and procurement tools (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Ariba).
• Demonstrated experience with SIOP (Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning).

Competitive base salary commensurate with experience: $83,500 - $125,100

Posted salary ranges are made in good faith. Tennant Co. reserves the right to adjust ranges depending on the experience/qualifications of the selected candidate as well as internal and external equity. Total Compensation = Base Salary + Benefits

Benefits = A comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, 401(k), profit sharing, disability, life insurance, paid time off, and voluntary benefits!

Begin your journey with us. Let's reinvent how the world cleans. 

Equal Opportunity Employer

Tennant Company is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made on the basis of individual skill, ability, reliability, productivity, and other factors important to performance. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, or any other basis protected by state or federal law or local ordinance.