Job Description
Category Manager I
Posting Start Date:  8/28/25
Job Location (Short):  Peoria, Illinois, USA, 61639
Requisition ID:  33826
Onsite or Remote:  Onsite Position

Join Komatsu and Be Part of Something Big!

Job Overview

Manage global sourcing activities. Identify and qualify suppliers capable of providing products and services to meet OE and Aftermarket requirements in accordance with SLQDC principals; ensuring productivity, continuous improvement, and negotiated the lowest total overall cost.

Key Job Responsibilities

  • Develop specific category strategies for single or multiple categories of spend. i.e. Steel, Castings, Forgings, Machining, Hydraulic, Mechanical, Electronics, etc.
  • Standardize Contracts and Master Purchase Agreements for category purchases as directed by the business strategies and corporate goals.
  • Monitor supply markets and commodity trending for competitive changes and prepare cost models for respective category.
  • Primary owner of Supplier Relationship Management for strategic supply base within given category.
  • Be a leader and work independently to establish strategy timeline, managing deliverables, and ability to appropriately identify and escalate issues when needed
  • Perform high-level global category analysis (Full spend and segment spend into sub-category if needed).
  • Sourcing Strategy & Negotiation - Develop and implement the commodity sourcing strategy through analysis of global markets, raw materials trends, technology, value chain analysis, and long-term sourcing plans. Prepare for and lead supplier negotiations. Initiate and manage RFI’s, RFP’s, and RFQ’s.
  • Owner of master data.
  • Perform industry research to identify qualified supplier candidates to meet Komatsu needs. Benchmark best in class suppliers.
  • Perform “Should Cost Analysis” cost models for each category group to fully understand cost make-up and drive optimal cost decisions.
  • Supplier Relationships - Understand type of supplier relationship required, ongoing oversight of supplier relationships with responsibilities for all commercial aspects including negotiations, contracts, partnerships, continuous improvements, etc.
  • Support cost reduction goals established by top management and develop and drive actions to meet the short term and long-term cost reduction goals.
  • Evaluate various supplier performance metrics including related value elements, performance trends and risk analysis to ensure category strategy is working and corrective action taken when needed.
  • Ongoing evaluation of the supply base in the areas of market research, product quality, competitive pricing, capability, and capacity. Perform SWAT and supplier risk analysis.
  • May be required to perform other related duties as required or assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements

  • Ideal candidates will possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. Other Degrees with a combination of relevant experience on a focused group of commodities may be considered.
  • CPIM, CSCP or CPM Certification a plus
  • 5+ years of relevant working experience
  • Experience working in an ERP environment (SAP a plus)
  • Systems skills: SAP, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Ariba
  • The position requires a thorough knowledge of commodities assigned to the Category Manager under various conditions and cultures on a global basis. The position must balance the needs of Komatsu regional and global business development strategies to optimize market conditions and business results.
  • Proprietary information including technical specifications, drawings, etc.
  • Management and support of $1.6 Billion in overall spend.
  • Procurement department typically responsible for cost reduction activities of ~1% of annual receipts.
  • Work closely with regional purchasing, aftermarket, NPD, and sales/marketing teams to monitor and drive compliance to the strategic category strategies.
  • Conflicting Supplier/ Komatsu concerns and interests. Must be communicated, understood and resolved by the individual for the process to be successful.
  • Knowledge and understanding of business cultural and financial differences in numerous countries.
  • Develop relationships and cost model strategies with key suppliers to mitigate effects of volatile materials market.
  • Maintaining healthy supplier relationships in difficult market conditions and resolving conflicts.

Additional Information

  • Percentage of Travel: 25% - 40% (most common destinations: United States, Japan, China, Asia, Europe, India, Mexico, Peru, Russia, South Africa, South America and Australia).
  • Each Category Manager will develop commercial strategy of how to procure required materials within the given category with a typical value of ~$150M per annum spend globally.

 

Hiring Range 

At Komatsu, your base pay is one part of your total compensation package. This role pays $88,000 - $110,000. The actual offer will consider a wide range of factors, including experience and location

 

Company Benefits 

Komatsu provides an extensive and robust employee benefits package that is designed to enhance the well-being of our employees and family members. We embrace a positive and empowering employee experience with a culture that prides itself on a diverse and inclusive environment.

  • Health benefits: Medical, dental, vision, HSA, wellness programs, etc.
  • 401k and/or employee savings programs
  • Employee time off (vacation and designated holidays)
  • Employee and family assistance programs
  • Disability benefits
  • Life insurance
  • Employee learning and development programs

Diversity & Inclusion Commitment 

At Komatsu we come from diverse backgrounds, with unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions.  We are committed to creating a workforce that is reflective of the communities we work and live in. We believe that our people are part of our shared purpose.  We are authentic, ambitious, and innovative in our pursuit of Diversity & Inclusion.  United, we are on a journey towards a sustainable future that creates value together.  

 

Company Information 

Komatsu is a world leader in manufacturing construction, mining, forestry, and industrial heavy equipment.  Founded in 1921, Komatsu has a long history of quality, reliability, innovation, and excellence.  Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Komatsu facilities, distributors and dealers are in more than 140 countries and employ more than 60,000 people.  Komatsu offers a diverse and challenging work environment, where you can grow your skills and career, and contribute to a sustainable, clean-energy future.  If you are looking for a company that values your talent and potential, be a part of something big and join a team that is shaping the world! 

If you want to learn more about Komatsu, please visit our website at https://www.komatsu.com/