Senior Category Manager

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Formulate and implement long-term category strategies for direct material categories.

• Oversee the complete strategic sourcing and category lifecycle, from the development of business cases and market analysis to contracting and supplier management.

• Enhance Total Cost of Ownership by leveraging market intelligence, cost modeling, should-cost analysis, and competitive benchmarking.

• Create cost models from feedstock to material to validate supplier pricing and facilitate negotiations.

• Negotiate intricate supply agreements that encompass pricing, commercial terms, volumes, capacity, and continuity.

• Direct Supplier Relationship Management for key suppliers, incorporating joint business plans, innovation pipelines, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Manage supplier relationships and monitor performance against SLAs, KPIs, and financial targets.

• Establish category KPIs and supplier scorecards.

• Examine market conditions, cost drivers, capacity, feedstock availability, logistics, trade policies, and regulatory factors.

• Mitigate single-source risk through dual sourcing, qualified alternatives, and regional supply strategies.

• Lead cross-functional teams involving stakeholders from Operations, R&D, Quality, Finance, Planning, and Sustainability.

• Collaborate with R&D and Quality on material qualification, specification modifications, formulation alternatives, and sourcing for new product introductions.

• Promote circularity and sustainability goals through the sourcing of recycled materials, collection of supplier carbon and EPD data, and exploring lower-impact alternatives.

• Work together with Supply Chain and Planning on inventory strategies, working capital, order quantities, lead times, and safety stock management.

• Track and report on category performance, savings, price variances, lead times, service levels, and delivery improvements.

• Provide guidance to executive stakeholders by converting business cases and market dynamics into practical recommendations.

• Ensure the integrity of contract, pricing, and supplier data while adhering to procurement policies and internal control requirements.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline.

• MBA is preferred.

• A minimum of 6–10 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic sourcing, category management, procurement, or relevant production/R&D/engineering experience with substantial commercial exposure.

• Profound understanding of Total Cost of Ownership principles, strategic sourcing methodologies, cost modeling, and contract negotiation.

• Capability to lead cross-functional teams and exert influence without direct authority.

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and executive presence.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication, negotiation, and presentation abilities.

• Strong analytical skills, including proficiency in Excel-based cost modeling.

• Familiarity with ERP and e-sourcing systems such as SAP, Ariba, or similar platforms.

• Ability to devise practical solutions for complex operational challenges.

• Capacity to work remotely with significant self-direction.

• Willingness to travel up to 25% to support supplier and company site operations.

• Direct sourcing experience with specific direct materials or specialty chemicals is preferred.

• Experience in sourcing recycled or post-consumer material streams is preferred.

• Multi-plant manufacturing experience and knowledge of flooring, building products, or plastics processing are strongly preferred.

• Experience in end-to-end category management is preferred.

• Familiarity with index-based and formula pricing, commodity risk management, and hedging concepts is preferred.

• Understanding of supply markets, cost drivers, and direct-material technology trends is preferred.

• Advanced project management skills are preferred.

• Skills in supplier contract creation, negotiation, and administration are preferred.

• Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement training is preferred.

• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CPSD, CIPS, or C.P.M. are preferred.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive benefits, salary, and retirement plan options.

• Opportunities for career advancement and stability.

• Flexible work arrangements.

• Commitment to safety as the top priority.

• Engagement in renewable energy and closed-loop recycled water processes.

• Dedication to minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption.

• Equal opportunity employer.

• An inclusive workplace where all employees can excel.