Category Manager - Installation Services

Job Title

Job Description

As a subsidiary of Toyota Industries (TICO), Vanderlande North America is experiencing strong growth and increasing market demand. Vanderlande is a global leader in the design, manufacture, installation, and service of advanced material handling systems, utilizing innovative robotic, mechanical, and software technologies. The company serves major customers across the e-commerce, parcel delivery, and aviation industries.

We are currently seeking a Category Manager – Installation Services to join our growing team.

Purpose:
• Deliver value through strategic and tactical Category and Supplier Management. This includes developing and implementing category strategies, managing supplier relationships, ensuring governance and resilience, and driving sourcing success while partnering closely with Project Teams, including Project Procurement (“Demand Management”).

Result Areas and Deliverables:
• Category Strategy Development and Execution – Develop and implement category strategies by analyzing business needs, conducting supply market research, identifying new suppliers, and driving cost-saving opportunities within assigned categories. Coordinate detailed cost analysis when required.
• Supplier Relationship Management – Manage supplier relationships and maintain accountability for supplier performance, including resolution of supplier claims.
• Effective Sourcing and Contracting – Support customer projects by leading sourcing events, establishing cross-functional sourcing teams, overseeing RfA documentation, defining selection criteria, evaluating supplier proposals, conducting negotiations, and awarding contracts.
• Sales Support – Provide procurement input during the sales phase to support the development of competitive and sustainable budget proposals.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Materials Management, or related field preferred
• 10+ years of progressive experience in procurement, sourcing, negotiations, logistics, operations, or installation services
• Experience with contracting processes and knowledge of legal requirements, including labor laws
• Experience within the Material Handling Systems industry or similar industries such as construction, contracting, or engineering is preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Strong ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment
• Experience working effectively across diverse cultures
• Results-driven mindset with strong business acumen
• Ability to work independently while remaining aligned with team goals
• Strong analytical capabilities, including cost modeling, quotation analysis, pay rate analysis, and supplier evaluation
• Creative problem-solving and innovative thinking skills
• Excellent communication, decision-making, and stakeholder management abilities
• Hands-on, practical working style with a proactive approach
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP systems
• Willingness to travel domestically up to 10%