Sr. Category Lead

As the largest pureplay adhesives company in the world, H.B. Fuller’s (NYSE: FUL) innovative, functional coatings, adhesives and sealants enhance the quality, safety and performance of products people use every day. Founded in 1887, with 2024 revenue of $3.6 billion, our mission to Connect What Matters is brought to life by more than 7,500 global team members who collaborate with customers across more than 30 market segments in over 140 countries to develop highly specified solutions that enable customers to bring world-changing innovations to their end markets. Learn more at www.hbfuller.com.

Position Overview

The Senior Sourcing Category Lead will lead the full lifecycle of capital equipment sourcing, including defining sourcing strategies, managing RFQs, evaluating technical and commercial proposals, selecting suppliers, and negotiating commercial terms. The role will partner closely with Engineering and Operations to translate technical requirements into competitive sourcing events and optimized total cost of ownership.

This position will drive supplier selection decisions, negotiate pricing, payment terms, warranties, service agreements, and delivery schedules, and ensure suppliers meet quality, lead‑time, and performance expectations. The role will also support cost optimization initiatives, identify savings opportunities, and balance near‑term project needs with long‑term supplier strategy.

In addition, the role will work cross‑functionally with Finance, Legal, Project Management, and site stakeholders to ensure alignment on budgets, CAPEX approvals, risk mitigation, and execution timelines. Strong stakeholder communication, organization, and project management skills are critical, as multiple sourcing events and projects will run in parallel.

Primary Responsibilities

• Execute sourcing events and support the development of category strategies for CAPEX.

• Lead end‑to‑end sourcing for capital equipment and CAPEX projects, including strategy development, RFQs, supplier evaluation, selection, and commercial negotiations.

• Partner with Engineering, Operations, Finance, Project Management, and site leadership to translate technical and business requirements into effective sourcing outcomes.

• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, warranties, service agreements, and delivery schedules to optimize total cost of ownership and mitigate risk.

• Drive cost optimization initiatives through market analysis, benchmarking, and supplier strategy development.

• Manage supplier performance for capital projects, ensuring quality, delivery, and contractual compliance.

• Coordinate cross‑functional stakeholders and manage multiple sourcing projects simultaneously with strong organization and communication.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required: business, supply chain, engineering, or related field.

• Three or more years of experience in sourcing, procurement, or supply chain roles.

• Proven experience running RFQs, leading supplier selection, and negotiating commercial terms for complex equipment or services.

• Experience using ERP, S&OP, or payment systems for purchasing, data management, or contract workflow.

• At least one year of experience supporting manufacturing or industrial operations.

• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and complete tasks with limited direction.

• Demonstrated ability to work cross‑functionally with Engineering, Operations, Finance, and senior stakeholders.

• Strong commercial acumen, cost‑optimization mindset, and understanding of total cost of ownership.

• Excellent organization, communication, and project management skills.

Preferred Requirements

• Master’s degree and at least one year of industry experience.

• One or more years of advanced experience in sourcing analytics or category management.

• Proficiency in data analysis, problem‑solving, written communication, and stakeholder partnership; additional language capability (e.g., Spanish) is beneficial.

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Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, and geographic location.

The salary for this role is $87,000-$107,000.

In addition to your salary, H.B. Fuller offers employees a competitive total rewards package including comprehensive benefits, incentive and recognitions programs, health & wellness benefits, 401K contributions, paid time off and paid holidays. Eligibility may vary.

H.B. Fuller is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and proud to have created a collaborative culture where employees around the world are seen, heard, and respected. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or marital status or status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected classification.

H.B. Fuller does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with H.B. Fuller, a written service agreement must be executed by Human Resources prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed service agreement, H.B. Fuller shall not be obligated for payment of any fee or compensation.