Category Manager

Austin Powder Company, US & Canada; Beachwood (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Austin Powder Company, US & Canada, is seeking a Category Manager-Direct Materials to lead category strategies and supplier relationships within the Procurement Department. The role focuses on strategic sourcing events, contract negotiations, and spend analysis across indirect spend categories.

The successful candidate will develop sourcing strategies that improve bottom-line results, manage teams, and work with internal stakeholders to promote procurement policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required; MBA is desired.
• 7+ years of experience in strategic sourcing in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead strategic sourcing events and category strategies.
• Negotiate contract terms and documents; drive cost savings and value.
• Manage supplier relationships and performance to meet organizational expectations.
• Lead or supervise a team of site buyers/procurement specialists.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and other functions to promote procurement policies.

Skills

Relationship-building

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree

MBA (preferred)

Job description

As a Category Manager-Direct Materials in Austin Powder’s Procurement Department, you’ll be responsible for building/managing categories strategies and delivering strong results that have significant value to the business. This will include activities such as: developing and leading strategic sourcing events; writing and negotiating contract terms and documents; and analyzing spend associated with specific indirect spend categories.

You will develop sourcing strategies that positively impact bottom-line results/value while minimizing risks, foster internal and external relationships, and work with internal stakeholders to educate and promote the procurement policies. You will report to the Director of Supply Chain & Procurement

Job Description

• Provide thought leadership in developing advanced category strategies and assist in identifying & managing “critical” and/or “preferred” supplier relationships
• Manage directly or via dotted line a team of site buyers and/or procurement specialists.
• Manage supplier performance and relationships to ensure the organization’s expectations are met
• Develop, foster and promote relationships with internal functions; routinely discuss processes, policies, and benefits derived through the Strategic Sourcing & Procurement organization
• Lead cost savings, supply security, and strategic initiatives for raw materials, packaging, other components along with other sub-categories, including building successful sourcing strategies, driving strategic improvements, and delivering on operational targets, savings goals, and business strategies
• Drive and manage multiple sourcing projects simultaneously while providing your internal stakeholders and leaders with regular updates
• Utilize sourcing tools to assist in departmental efforts to continually refine and improve sourcing and procurement processes, policies, and tools
• Conduct total cost modeling and sensitivity/scenario analysis to help stakeholders understand the trade-offs and benefits of various outcome.
• Assist with the analysis and planning for various components of indirect spend categories to ensure operational success and results
• Conducting ongoing reviews of categories to inform future category strategies and activities
• Partner with multiple corporate functions (e.g., Financial Planning & Analysis, Accounting, Legal, etc.) as part of your sourcing projects and related activities
• The selected candidate will take ownership of projects and drive them to completion understanding that the results will have a strong impact on the department's objectives

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required, MBA is desired
• 7+ years of experience in Strategic Sourcing in a manufacturing environment with exposure to commodity chemicals, additives, packaging, and component parts
• Demonstrated capabilities of developing/implementing category strategies, leading sourcing projects, contract negotiations and authoring, and driving savings/value

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong relationship-building, verbal and written communication, interpersonal, motivational, and influencing skills; coordination across related disciplines and with key stakeholder
• Capable of coordinating across business units and sharing critical information, with particular strength in explaining complex concepts and coaching individuals through complex decision-making
• Experience coordinating teams, collecting insights, and constructively challenge internal stakeholders with conventional thinking
• Deep Understanding of multi-step strategic sourcing processes, sourcing tools, and strategies
• Organized and adaptable with demonstrated ability to prioritize projects, meet deadlines, and deliver results
• Demonstrated progression in career with increasing responsibilities, including experience leading project teams and resources
• Comfortable with organizational change; able to thrive in a rapidly changing business environment

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Physical demands include sitting for extended periods of time while frequently typing, viewing computer screens and use of mouse/keyboard.
• Operation of office equipment to include but not limited to telephones, printers, copiers, and scanners.
• Repetitive motion of data entry, hand, finger wrist motion and dexterity.
• May include filing and handling paperwork may involve reaching, grasping, or bending.
• Light lifting and carrying of office supplies, files, or boxes (generally under 25 lbs.).
• Will require walking and standing during the office hours.
• Good vision for reading and screen use.
• Clear verbal communication and active listening, often over the phone or video calls.