Lead Category Manager

About INNIO Group:
INNIO Group is a
global
distributed energy solutions provider that delivers reliable, flexible, transient, decentralized, modular and efficient power. With a track record of innovation, INNIO designs, manufactures and services high
‑
performance power systems under its Jenbacher and Waukesha brands. The company delivers power for applications including data centers, microgrids, grid stabilization, industrial energy and gas compression.
INNIO operates a global installed base across approximately 100 countries as of December 31, 2025, supported by a resilient, high
‑
margin services business that delivers long
‑
term, recurring revenues across the full equipment lifecycle. As electricity demand accelerates—driven by AI, electrification and grid constraints—INNIO enables scalable, behind
‑
the
‑
meter power generation with high efficiency, fast start capability, strong transient performance and fuel flexibility, including hydrogen
‑
ready solutions. INNIO employs over 5,000 people worldwide and is committed to moving energy forward.
Position Overview:
The
Lead Category
Manager
is responsible for developing, implementing, and executing global sourcing strategies for assigned categories and suppliers. This includes supplier selection, supplier management and development, contract agreements and ensuring excellent purchasing operations. Additionally, this position constantly drives continuous improvement initiatives in the field of transformation, processes, quality, cost effectiveness and internal coordination/communication, hence is to be considered an important change agent across INNIO. Delivering quantitative and qualitative, measurable, and felt value across INNIO, managing its supply base and 3rd party costs, is the ultimate attribute of this role.
This position will be focused on our Revolution Power Solutions (RPS) division and is based on site in Waller, TX.
Primary Responsibilities:
Develop and execute INNIO sourcing strategies for assigned categories and suppliers
Excellent manufacturing processes understanding/acumen for assigned categories
Develop negotiation strategies and lead negotiations to achieve company OTD, quality, and deflation goals
Lead supplier segmentation, selection, support supplier development and ensure
high-quality
supplier relationship and operational management
Manage and control CAPEX for assigned categories
Understand business compliance requirements and drive opportunities to eliminate/minimize supply chain risks
Drive sourcing initiatives including best cost country sourcing (BCC), productivity, rationalization of supply base, sole source reduction, lead time reduction, on-time
delivery and quality improvements, Six Sigma/Lean requirements and cash flow improvements, total cost of ownership (TCO)
Negotiate
long term
agreements with suppliers which outline our business strategy and requirements
Proactive engagement and interface with business sourcing leaders and functional owners to lay out strategies, ensure business buy-in and ensure optimized internal coordination and communication; active facilitation of solution identification and implementation
Proactively support project/initiative leaders in NPI (New Product Introduction) and product cost out processes
in order to
contribute
in
achieving sourcing and business goals
Act as multiplayer and facilitator between supply base and INNIO businesses to actively enable innovation and collaboration
Develop and execute recovery plan for suppliers that fall short on expectations
Own, drive and report progress/bottlenecks on Value Creation Plan (VCP) initiatives
Qualifications/Requirements:
5+ years working experience in strategic sourcing, supply chain or engineering in an internationally operating company, ideally within a comparable industry
Proven experience in project management and strategy development
Metallurgical (preferred) and/or Mechanical engineering degree (BS/BA)
Six Sigma Green Belt certified (Black Belt preferred)
Foundry knowledge/skills acquired through relevant trainings and certifications paired with relevant experience
Excellent technical aptitude, complemented by strong business acumen, as well as influencing, negotiation, and facilitating skills
Reciprocating engine knowledge/skills (preferred)
Strong knowledge/skills in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
Strong communication and presentation skills at all levels
Strong customer service mindset with ability to improve internal customer relationships
Entrepreneurial, intrinsically motivated mindset with demonstrated ownership of responsibilities
Team player mentality and continuous improvement mindset
Willingness to travel at least 20% of the time to our global supply base