Locations: Houston (8718)
Business Units: Central
Job Classification: Exempt
Summary
The Senior Category Manager is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing high-value and complex spend categories, developing long-term sourcing strategies, and leading enterprise-wide initiatives that drive cost optimization, supply continuity, and innovation. This role serves as a key advisor to senior leadership and plays a critical role in shaping procurement strategies that support manufacturing excellence and business growth.
Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Category Leadership
- Develop and execute multi-year category strategies aligned with corporate, operational, and manufacturing objectives
- Lead strategic planning processes, including demand forecasting, market intelligence, and risk assessment
- Identify opportunities for innovation, supplier collaboration, and competitive advantage
Advanced Sourcing & Negotiation
- Lead complex, high-impact sourcing initiatives and negotiations with global suppliers
- Establish and execute negotiation strategies that deliver best-in-class commercial outcomes
- Oversee contract development, ensuring alignment with legal, financial, and operational requirements
Supplier Relationship & Performance Management
- Build executive-level partnerships with strategic suppliers to drive performance, innovation, and long-term value
- Implement supplier segmentation models and governance frameworks
- Lead supplier business reviews and continuous improvement initiatives
Cost Leadership & Value Engineering
- Drive significant cost savings and value creation through advanced analytics, should-cost modeling, and total cost of ownership (TCO) methodologies
- Champion value engineering and demand management initiatives across manufacturing operations
- Monitor commodity markets and economic trends to proactively manage cost and risk
Cross-Functional Influence
- Partner with senior leaders in operations, engineering, R&D, and finance to align category strategies with business priorities
- Lead procurement involvement in new product development (NPD) and capital projects
- Act as a trusted advisor to stakeholders on sourcing decisions and supplier strategies
Risk Management & Compliance
- Identify, assess, and mitigate supply chain risks (e.g., geopolitical, capacity, single-source dependencies)
- Ensure adherence to company policies, regulatory requirements, and sustainability goals
- Lead business continuity and contingency planning efforts
Team Leadership & Development
- Mentor and develop Category Managers and procurement professionals
- Lead cross-functional and global project teams
- Drive a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement[
Basic Qualifications- Advanced strategic thinking and business acumen
- Expert negotiation and contract management skills
- Deep knowledge of manufacturing supply chains and operations
- Strong financial and analytical expertise (cost modeling, TCO, market analysis)
- Executive-level communication and stakeholder management
- Leadership and team development capabilities
- Ability to influence across a global, matrixed organization
- Strong risk management and decision-making skills
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Annual cost savings and value creation
- Supplier performance (quality, delivery, innovation)
PreferredQualifications- Experience with global sourcing and international supplier networks
- Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and advanced procurement tools
- Certification such as CPSM, CIPS, or Six Sigma (Black Belt preferred)
- Experience in digital procurement transformation initiatives
Education and Experience- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field
- MBA or advanced degree strongly preferred
- 8-15+ years of progressive experience in procurement, category management, or strategic sourcing in a manufacturing environment
- Proven experience managing large, complex spend categories (e.g., direct materials, capital equipment, logistics, raw materials)
- Demonstrated success delivering significant cost savings and strategic value initiatives
Why Join Us- Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
- Basic life insurance and short-term disability coverage provided by employer.
- Supplemental life insurance and long-term disability coverage options available.
- 401K with employer contribution.
- Personal, Vacation, and Holiday paid time off for all full-time employees.
