Category Manager-Direct Materials

Austin Powder

$90K — $120K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required; MBA preferred.
  • 7+ years in Strategic Sourcing in manufacturing with focus on commodity chemicals and packaging.
  • Proven expertise in developing category strategies and leading sourcing projects.
  • Experience in contract negotiation and driving savings/value for the organization.
  • Demonstrated career progression with increased responsibility, including leadership of project teams.

Responsibilities

  • Provide thought leadership in category strategy development and supplier management.
  • Manage a team of buyers and procurement specialists, ensuring effective sourcing practices.
  • Oversee supplier performance and maintain strong supplier relationships.
  • Foster collaboration with internal departments to enhance procurement processes.
  • Lead initiatives targeting cost savings and operational objectives in sourcing projects.
  • Manage multiple sourcing projects simultaneously, providing regular updates to stakeholders.
  • Conduct cost modeling and scenario analysis to inform strategic decisions.

Benefits

  • Access to professional development opportunities.
  • Collaborative work environment focused on strategic initiatives.
  • Engagement with cross-functional teams for comprehensive project execution.
Full Job Description
Roles & Responsibilities

  • Provide thought leadership in developing advanced category strategies and assist in identifying & managing "critical" and/or "preferred" supplier relationships
  • Manage directly or via dotted line a team of site buyers and/or procurement specialists.
  • Manage supplier performance and relationships to ensure the organization's expectations are met
  • Develop, foster and promote relationships with internal functions; routinely discuss processes, policies, and benefits derived through the Strategic Sourcing & Procurement organization
  • Lead cost savings, supply security, and strategic initiatives for raw materials, packaging, other components along with other sub-categories, including building successful sourcing strategies, driving strategic improvements, and delivering on operational targets, savings goals, and business strategies
  • Drive and manage multiple sourcing projects simultaneously while providing your internal stakeholders and leaders with regular updates
  • Utilize sourcing tools to assist in departmental efforts to continually refine and improve sourcing and procurement processes, policies, and tools
  • Conduct total cost modeling and sensitivity/scenario analysis to help stakeholders understand the trade-offs and benefits of various outcome.
  • Assist with the analysis and planning for various components of indirect spend categories to ensure operational success and results
  • Conducting ongoing reviews of categories to inform future category strategies and activities
  • Partner with multiple corporate functions (e.g., Financial Planning & Analysis, Accounting, Legal, etc.) as part of your sourcing projects and related activities
  • The selected candidate will take ownership of projects and drive them to completion understanding that the results will have a strong impact on the department's objectives


Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree is required, MBA is desired
  • 7+ years of experience in Strategic Sourcing in a manufacturing environment with exposure to commodity chemicals, additives, packaging, and component parts
  • Demonstrated capabilities of developing/implementing category strategies, leading sourcing projects, contract negotiations and authoring, and driving savings/value


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Strong relationship-building, verbal and written communication, interpersonal, motivational, and influencing skills; coordination across related disciplines and with key stakeholder
  • Capable of coordinating across business units and sharing critical information, with particular strength in explaining complex concepts and coaching individuals through complex decision-making
  • Experience coordinating teams, collecting insights, and constructively challenge internal stakeholders with conventional thinking
  • Deep Understanding of multi-step strategic sourcing processes, sourcing tools, and strategies
  • Organized and adaptable with demonstrated ability to prioritize projects, meet deadlines, and deliver results
  • Demonstrated progression in career with increasing responsibilities, including experience leading project teams and resources
  • Comfortable with organizational change; able to thrive in a rapidly changing business environment


Work Environment and Physical Demands
  • Physical demands include sitting for extended periods of time while frequently typing, viewing computer screens and use of mouse/keyboard.
  • Operation of office equipment to include but not limited to telephones, printers, copiers, and scanners.
  • Repetitive motion of data entry, hand, finger wrist motion and dexterity.
  • May include filing and handling paperwork may involve reaching, grasping, or bending.
  • Light lifting and carrying of office supplies, files, or boxes (generally under 25 lbs.).
  • Will require walking and standing during the office hours.
  • Good vision for reading and screen use.
  • Clear verbal communication and active listening, often over the phone or video calls.

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