Category Specialist I - Steel

About the Role

Mortenson is hiring a Category Specialist I – Steel for its Minneapolis, MN location. This role is responsible for estimating, procurement, and project coordination of assigned material categories, focusing on cost, quality, and delivery optimization while enhancing supply chain efficiency and maintaining supplier relationships. The specialist will interpret project plans, solicit and qualify manufacturer quotes, and create proposals, while assisting the design phase with material selections based on client needs. They will also manage procurement logs, submittals, and shop drawings, and coordinate with project teams and other trades. Additional responsibilities include supporting the annual category review process, maintaining key supplier relationships, monitoring supplier performance, and contributing to the financial success of the category through monthly and annual reviews. The role also involves assisting with material cost reductions, contract negotiations, market monitoring, forecasting, and commodity inflation mitigation. • Interpret project plans and specifications to prepare estimates. • Solicit, qualify, and negotiate quotes from manufacturers and trade partners. • Create proposals and assist design phase with material selection. • Maintain procurement logs, submittals, and shop drawing processes. • Coordinate with project teams and other trades for seamless execution. • Support annual category reviews with updated metrics, strategy, and risk mitigation. • Maintain and monitor key supplier relationships, quality, and delivery performance. • Assist with monthly and annual financial reviews, forecasting, and reporting for the category. • Drive material cost reductions through contract negotiations and market analysis. • Monitor market drivers such as raw material pricing, supplier capacity, and industry disruptions. • Provide leadership, coaching, and performance management to team members. • Conduct category analysis and support senior category managers.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸cost estimating
• ▸procurement
• ▸shop drawings
• ▸supplier management
• ▸market analysis
• ▸financial forecasting

What You Bring

Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, construction management, or a related field, or equivalent experience, and at least two years in a similar role. Required skills include knowledge of construction processes and purchasing, strong business acumen, effective communication, time management, decision‑making, and the ability to collaborate and influence without authority, plus a valid driver’s license. • Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, construction management, or related field. • Minimum 2+ years of experience in a similar procurement or category management role. • Knowledge of construction processes, equipment, materials, and purchasing procedures. • Strong business acumen with strategic thinking and negotiation skills. • Effective communication, presentation, and active listening abilities. • Excellent time management, decision‑making, and collaborative influence. • Valid driver’s license.

Requirements

• ▸bachelor's
• ▸2+ years
• ▸construction knowledge
• ▸business acumen
• ▸negotiation
• ▸communication

Benefits

The compensation range is $66,400 – $89,700, with higher ranges for select locations. Benefits include medical, vision, dental, 401(k) match, paid time off, life and disability insurance, mental‑health resources, tuition reimbursement, adoption assistance, and a gym membership discount. • Medical, prescription drug, vision, and dental insurance at no additional cost. • 401(k) retirement plan with generous Mortenson match. • Paid time off, holidays, and other paid leaves. • Employer‑paid life, AD&D, and disability insurance. • No‑cost mental health tools and concierge services. • Tuition reimbursement and adoption assistance. • Gym membership discount program.

Work Environment

Office Full-Time