Supply Chain Category Manager - Direct Material | Silgan Closures - Downers Grove, IL (Chicago Area)Join Silgan Closures, a global Fortune 500 leader in sustainable packaging, as a Supply Chain Category Manager in our Downers Grove, IL office. This strategic sourcing and procurement role manages high-value direct material categories including Resin, Colorant, and Plastisol across North American manufacturing operations.
This role is critical to cost optimization, supplier performance, and supply chain strategy, directly impacting profitability and operational efficiency. The Category Manager - Direct Materials partners closely with Operations, Engineering, Finance, and Procurement leadership to drive sourcing strategies, supplier collaboration, and continuous improvement.
What We Offer You:- Salary range: $125,000 - $135,000 based on experience
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Company-paid life insurance, AD&D, and disability coverage
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Tuition reimbursement
- Voluntary benefits: pet insurance, legal plans, identity protection, and more
- Employee engagement events, team activities, and career growth opportunities
What You'll Do as the Supply Chain Category Manager:- Lead strategic sourcing and category management for direct materials (Resin, Colorant, Plastisol)
- Develop and execute category strategies to reduce cost and improve supplier performance
- Analyze supplier cost structures, market trends, and supply chain risks
- Drive year-over-year cost savings and report performance to senior leadership
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Finance, and Procurement teams
- Manage supplier relationships, negotiations, and contract development
- Lead RFQs, bid packages, and supplier selection processes
- Support inventory strategy and supply planning across manufacturing sites
- Monitor commodity markets and economic trends to inform purchasing decisions
- Implement supply chain optimization initiatives and continuous improvement programs
- Partner with legal on contracts, terms, and supplier agreements
What You'll Need to Have:- Bachelor of Science degree in business or related field
- 3-5 years of experience in:
- Strategic Sourcing
- Procurement
- Supply Chain Category Management
- Strong knowledge of direct materials procurement and supply market economics
- Experience developing total cost of ownership (TCO) models
- Proven success in supplier negotiation and cost savings delivery
- Familiarity with ERP systems - JD Edwards preferred
- Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and data analysis
- Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment
Why Join Silgan Closures?- A Fortune 500 global packaging leader
- Industry leader in sustainability and innovation
- Stable, growing organization with long-term career advancement
- High-impact role in procurement, strategic sourcing, and supply chain leadership
Apply Today!Take the next step in your career as a
Supply Chain Category Manager (Direct Materials) in
Downers Grove, IL (Chicago area). Join Silgan Closures and help drive
procurement strategy, cost savings, and supply chain excellence in a global manufacturing environment.
