Category Lead

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.; Akron (OH); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. is seeking a Category Lead to develop and execute sourcing strategies across multiple commodities, acting as the regional procurement operational lead.

The role uses market intelligence, cost modeling, and financial analysis to shape negotiation strategies, support or lead contract negotiations, and drive total cost of ownership improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in Procurement, Supply Chain, or a related operational function.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies across multiple commodities, aligned with the overall category strategy.
• Lead supplier relationship management, focusing on total cost of ownership, supply-chain advantages, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Use market intelligence, cost modeling, and financial analysis to develop effective negotiation strategies and support or lead contract negotiations.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships and collaborate with stakeholders to support business continuity and achieve Commercial Council goals.
• Apply the 7-Step Strategic Sourcing Process and sourcing tools to strengthen procurement effectiveness and operational excellence.
• Collaborate with category leaders and peers while providing informal leadership to Procurement Specialists within the team.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Supplier relationship management

Market intelligence

Financial analysis

Negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

Leadership (informal)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

The Category Lead develops and executes sourcing strategies across multiple commodities while serving as the regional procurement operational lead. The role uses market intelligence, cost modeling, and financial analysis to develop negotiation strategies, support contract negotiations, and lead negotiations for assigned commodities. It also manages strategic supplier relationships focused on total cost of ownership, supply‑chain advantages, innovation, and continuous improvement. The position collaborates with cross‑functional stakeholders and category teams while applying strategic sourcing processes and providing informal leadership to Procurement Specialists.

Why This Role Matters

Drives strategic value through procurement by developing and executing sourcing strategies across multiple commodities, supported by market intelligence, cost modeling, and effective negotiations. Strengthens supplier partnerships with a focus on total cost of ownership, supply‑chain advantages, innovation, and continuous improvement. Supports business continuity and cross‑functional alignment by collaborating closely with category teams, internal stakeholders, and suppliers. Builds procurement capability and operational excellence by applying strategic sourcing processes, leveraging sourcing tools, and providing informal leadership to Procurement Specialists.

What You Will Be Do

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies across multiple commodities, aligned with the overall category strategy.
• Lead supplier relationship management, focusing on total cost of ownership, supply‑chain advantages, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Use market intelligence, cost modeling, and financial analysis to develop effective negotiation strategies and support or lead contract negotiations.
• Build strong cross‑functional relationships and collaborate with stakeholders to support business continuity and achieve Commercial Council goals.
• Apply the 7-Step Strategic Sourcing Process and sourcing tools to strengthen procurement effectiveness and operational excellence.
• Collaborate with category leaders and peers while providing informal leadership to Procurement Specialists within the team.

What We Are Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related field; a Master’s degree in one of these areas is preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in Procurement, Supply Chain, or a related operational function.

What Sets You Apart

• Previous strategic sourcing experience is preferred, along with experience in a related industry.
• International experience is considered an advantage.

Additional Details

• Relocation Available: No
• Sponsorship Available: No
• Typical Schedule: Hybrid

Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. It employs about 63,000 people and manufactures its products in 48 facilities in 19 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg, strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry.

For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate

If you need reasonable accommodation to complete the online application, or any other part of the employment process, please contact the Goodyear Candidate Care Line at 330.796.4500.

Goodyear is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.

At Goodyear, we make life's connections easier every day. People around the world count on us to get them where they need to go, now and into the future. But our relentless pursuit of forward motion doesn't just keep the world moving. It shapes a workplace that celebrates our different talents, experiences, and culture. It inspires us to continue developing our skills and encourages our career moves all while keeping us focused on building a better future for our associates, our business, and the planet.

Come discover the opportunities ahead with Team Goodyear.

Working at Goodyear A true member of the Goodyear hiring team will always interview candidates in-person or over the phone before extending any job offers. Candidates are never asked to download software, provide financial information or send payment as part of the employment process. Goodyear is committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of technology or ability.

If you need reasonable accommodation to complete the online application, or any other part of the employment process, please call the Goodyear Candidate Care Line at 330.796.4500. When contacting us, please provide your name, telephone number, and email address, along with a description of your request for accommodation.

Reasonable workplace accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for a reasonable workplace accommodation will be responded to.

Notice: Federal law requires Goodyear to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. Goodyear will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. See posters below for details. E-Verify Participation Poster (English and Spanish) If you have the right to work, don't let anyone take it away.