POSITION OVERVIEWThe Category Manager - Direct Materials leads sourcing strategy and execution for critical raw material categories, including Nylon Additives, Packaging, and Cylinder Gases. This role owns supplier strategy, commercial negotiations, and category performance while partnering closely across the organization to ensure reliable supply across manufacturing sites.
TARGETED OUTCOMES- Deliver year-over-year cost, cash flow, and supply reliability improvements.
- Develop and execute multi-year category strategies aligned to business needs.
- Strengthen supplier performance and partnerships.
- Build actionable market intelligence to inform sourcing decisions.
- Ensure supply continuity through proactive risk management.
RESPONSIBILITIESCategory Strategy & Execution- Develop and execute multi-year sourcing strategies for assigned categories.
- Define sourcing approaches (contracts, spot, dual sourcing) aligned to market conditions and demand.
- Lead supplier selection, qualification, and long-term partnership development.
Commercial & Supplier Management- Lead negotiations and manage contracts to optimize cost, service, and risk.
- Serve as the primary commercial interface with strategic suppliers.
- Establish and drive supplier performance metrics and improvement actions.
Market Intelligence & Risk- Monitor market dynamics, cost drivers, and emerging risks.
- Translate insights into sourcing actions and risk mitigation plans.
- Support sustainability initiatives, including alternative materials and sourcing strategies.
Cross-Functional Integration- Partner with Business Line and Planning to align sourcing with demand forecasts and inventory strategies.
- Collaborate with broader procurement team to ensure efficient execution and supplier onboarding.
- Work across Business Line, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance, and Legal to align priorities.
Performance & Governance- Deliver cost savings and working capital improvements.
- Track category and supplier performance against defined metrics.
- Ensure compliance with procurement policies and standards.
TEAM AND INTERACTIONS- Reports to: Director - Direct Materials Procurement
- Partners cross-functionally with Business, Planning, Procurement Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance, and Legal. Interfaces externally with key suppliers.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field.
- 7+ years of experience in procurement, supply chain, sales, marketing, or engineering supporting manufacturing.
- Knowledge of sourcing processes, contracts, and procurement systems.
REQUIRED SKILLS- Strategic category management capability, with the ability to develop and execute multi-year sourcing strategies.
- Analytical and financial acumen, including ability to interpret market, cost, and performance data.
- Process discipline and continuous improvement mindset, with the ability to implement structured sourcing processes, ensure data integrity, and improve procurement performance.
- Effective communication and influencing skills across functions and levels of the organization.
- Ability to build strong cross-functional partnerships with Planning, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance, and Legal.
- Sound judgment and risk management capability in dynamic supply environments.
At Ascend Performance Materials, we value transparency and fairness in our hiring process. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, search firms, or staffing agencies. Any resumes received from such entities will be considered the property of Ascend Performance Materials, and we will not be obligated to pay any fees for such submissions. Our Talent Acquisition Team actively engages with preferred recruitment partners who have established agreements with us. We encourage all interested candidates to apply directly through our official channels to be considered for any open positions. 
