Localization Engineering Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Position Overview
International Motors is seeking a Category Manager - Body Components to join our Procurement Organization. This Category Manager will work cross-functionally with engineering, program management, quality, manufacturing, risk management, finance, aftersales, and supply chain to develop and execute category strategies that support current business and new product launches. The role is accountable for supplier strategy, sourcing execution, commercial negotiations, and supply base performance with a clear focus on balancing Technology, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Sustainability (TQDCS) in every sourcing and supplier management decision.
The Category Manager will lead strategic sourcing activities across the Body Components portfolio, identify and implement value creation opportunities, manage supplier relationships and contracts, and partner with internal stakeholders to improve business performance, reduce risk, and ensure continuity of supply.
Responsibilities
• Develop and execute Body Components category strategies aligned with International Motors business objectives, sourcing priorities, and TQDCS value drivers.
• Lead sourcing decisions and supplier selection for new product launches and current business to improve technology, quality, delivery, cost, and sustainability outcomes.
• Own the commercial relationship with the assigned supply base, including negotiations, cost reduction roadmaps, contract execution, escalations, and supplier development.
• Analyze category spend, supplier cost structures, market dynamics, benchmark data, and should-cost inputs to identify value creation opportunities and mitigate cost increases.
• Build fact-based business cases to support sourcing decisions, supplier nominations, and implementation plans.
• Lead or support cross-functional category management teams (CMTs) to align sourcing strategies and drive execution across engineering, quality, operations, finance, and supply chain.
• Monitor and improve supplier performance in quality, launch readiness, delivery, service, and responsiveness while proactively managing supply continuity and business risk.
• Identify and execute opportunities for dual sourcing, localization, footprint optimization, and other actions that strengthen supply resilience and total cost performance.
• Prepare executive-level summaries and presentations to support leadership reviews, sourcing approvals, and strategic updates.
Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of purchasing/procurement experience

OR

• Master's degree and at least 1 year of purchasing/procurement experience

OR

• At least 5 years of purchasing/procurement experience

Additional Requirements

• Qualified candidates, excluding current employees, must be legally authorized on an unrestricted basis (US Citizen, Legal Permanent Resident, Refugee or Asylee) to be employed in the United States. We do not anticipate providing employment related work sponsorship for this position (e.g., H-1B status)

Desired Skills
• Experience in automotive, commercial vehicle, manufacturing, or other complex engineered product environments.
• Experience managing suppliers or categories within body components or similar portfolios, including mirrors, glass, lighting, wipers, trim, or structures.
• Demonstrated success developing category strategies, leading sourcing events and negotiations, and delivering measurable cost and performance improvements.
• Strong technical, commercial, and analytical acumen, with the ability to translate engineering, manufacturing, and supplier inputs into sound business decisions.
• Ability to negotiate, interpret, and execute commercial agreements and contracts.
• Strong project management and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives and deadlines.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, including the ability to work across functions, cultures, and leadership levels and deliver executive-ready recommendations.
• Results-oriented mindset with ownership, urgency, and a focus on continuous improvement.
Benefits and Compensation
This position offers competitive market-based compensation, along with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee wellbeing. You can learn more about the benefits offered for this position by visiting https://careers.international.com/#benefits.
The expected salary offered for this position will fall within the stated range, with the final offer based on the candidates' applicable skills, knowledge, and experience.
Company Overview
About TRATON
With its brands Scania, MAN, International, and Volkswagen Truck & Bus, TRATON SE is the parent and holding company of the TRATON GROUP and one of the world's leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. The Group's product portfolio comprises trucks, buses, and light-duty commercial vehicles. "Transforming Transportation Together. For a sustainable world.": this intention underlines the Company's ambition to have a lasting and sustainable impact on the commercial vehicle business and on the Group's commercial growth.
About International
From a one-man company built on the world-changing invention of the McCormick reaper in 1831, to the 15,000-person-strong company we are today, few companies can lay claim to a history like International. Based in Lisle, Illinois, International Motors, LLC* creates solutions that deliver greater uptime and productivity to our customers throughout the full operation of our commercial vehicles. We build International® trucks and engines and IC Bus® school and commercial buses that are as tough and as smart as the people who drive them. We also develop Fleetrite® aftermarket parts. In everything we do, our vision is to accelerate the impact of sustainable mobility to create the cleaner, safer world we all deserve. As of 2021, we joined Scania, MAN and Volkswagen Truck & Bus in TRATON GROUP, a global champion of the truck and transport services industry. To learn more, visit International.com.
*International Motors, LLC is d/b/a International Motors USA in Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas, and Utah.
EEO Statement
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to access the online application system or participate in the interview process due to your disability, please email HUB@International.com to request assistance. Kindly specify Job Requisition Number / Job Title and Location in response. Otherwise, your request may not be considered.