Level 4 Category Manager

Aston Carter

$98K — $124K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8+ years in sourcing/procurement with 3+ years of direct category ownership
  • Experience managing supplier relationships throughout their lifecycle
  • Strong negotiation skills with a focus on cost savings
  • Advanced analytical skills, particularly in Excel
  • Experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment

Responsibilities

  • Execute and own the sourcing strategy for a specific category
  • Manage supplier selection, onboarding, and ongoing performance
  • Lead negotiations to achieve cost savings and favorable terms
  • Drive cost optimization initiatives and meet reduction targets
  • Collaborate with engineering and operations to support sourcing decisions
  • Monitor supplier performance through scorecards and regular reviews
  • Identify and mitigate supply chain risks for operational continuity

Benefits

  • Career advancement opportunities
  • Flexible work environment with 3 days onsite and 2 days remote
  • Collaborative workplace culture using digital tools
  • Significant responsibility over supplier performance and category success
  • Potential for strategic role growth in a high-demand sector
Full Job Description
Level 4 Category Manager

If you are a hands-on Category Manager who truly owns supplier relationships and drives measurable results, we want to hear from you.
We are prioritizing candidates who:
  • Have 8+ years in sourcing/procurement with 3+ years of direct category ownership (must have owned a category or sub-category end-to-end)
  • Actively manage suppliers across the full lifecycle: selection, onboarding, and ongoing performance management
  • Run supplier scorecards, business reviews, and performance tracking-not just vendor interaction
  • Have a proven track record of negotiation and delivering cost savings
  • Bring strong analytical skills, including advanced Excel, to drive data-based decisions

If this sounds like you, please apply IMMEDIATELY.

Job Description

The Level 4 Category Manager owns and executes the sourcing strategy for a defined category within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This hands-on, execution-focused role manages supplier relationships, leads negotiations, drives cost savings, and ensures consistent supply performance while closely partnering with engineering, operations, and procurement teams.
The position offers full end-to-end ownership of a specific category, with significant opportunities to grow into a more strategic role as the organization continues to scale.

Responsibilities
  • Own and execute the sourcing strategy for a specific category or sub-category, ensuring alignment with overall business and supply chain objectives
  • Manage the full lifecycle of suppliers, including selection, onboarding, and ongoing performance management
  • Lead negotiations for pricing, commercial terms, and supplier agreements to achieve cost savings and favorable conditions
  • Drive cost savings and cost optimization initiatives, taking direct ownership of cost reduction targets and outcomes
  • Partner closely with engineering and operations teams to support sourcing decisions and evaluate technical requirements
  • Monitor and manage supplier performance using scorecards, KPIs, and regular business reviews
  • Actively manage supplier relationships to ensure consistent performance and accountability
  • Identify and mitigate supply chain risks such as capacity constraints, single-source exposure, and continuity risks
  • Analyze data, cost drivers, and total cost of ownership (TCO) to inform sourcing strategies
  • Execute sourcing initiatives end-to-end, ensuring timely and effective delivery of results
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to maintain alignment on priorities and timelines
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of sourcing processes and tools


Basic Qualifications
  • 8+ years of experience in sourcing, procurement, or supply chain
  • 3+ years of direct category ownership with end-to-end responsibility (required)
  • Proven experience in hands-on supplier management and performance oversight
  • Demonstrated success in negotiation and delivering measurable cost savings
  • Experience in a manufacturing, hardware, or industrial environment
  • Strong cross-functional collaboration experience with engineering, operations, or supply chain teams
  • Solid understanding of cost drivers and total cost of ownership (TCO)
  • Strong analytical skills, including advanced Excel and data analysis
  • Ability to engage with technical topics and effectively partner with engineering


Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in semiconductor, capital equipment, or advanced manufacturing
  • Exposure to global sourcing and international suppliers
  • Experience managing complex or technical components
  • Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
  • Ability to understand basic drawings and technical requirements
  • Motivation to grow into a more strategic category management role


Work Environment
  • 3 days onsite. 2 days WFH
  • High-growth organization supporting expanding AI-related demand
  • Heavy cross-functional collaboration using digital tools
  • Strong opportunity for career advancement and increased strategic ownership
  • High-impact role with meaningful responsibility over supplier performance and category success


Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Somerset, NJ.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $98000.00 - $124000.00/yr.
We can send candidates the benefits guide they shared with us
Workplace Type
This is a fully remote position.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 26, 2026.

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