Category Manager

LATICRETE International; California (MO); Remote; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the construction industry is looking for a Category Manager to lead sourcing strategies for private-label and contract-manufactured chemical products. The successful candidate will have significant experience in supplier management and be responsible for ensuring product quality and supply reliability. This role offers flexibility for remote work, yet requires occasional travel to Connecticut.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in sourcing, procurement, or category management in private-label or chemical manufacturing sectors.
• Strong skills in negotiation, supplier management, and market intelligence.

Responsibilities

• Manage private-label vendors by developing sourcing strategies and leading negotiations.
• Collaborate with R&D and manage chemical contract manufacturers.
• Build supplier relationships and drive cost reduction.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier Management

Market Intelligence

Education

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

Job description

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Job Description:

Are you looking for a new challenge? Passionate about innovation? Want to work for a company that values integrity, teamwork, and loyalty?

Position Summary:

This position is responsible for leading sourcing strategies for private-label (PFR - Purchase for Resale) and contract-manufactured chemical products in the USA and international business units within the construction industry. The role involves aligning sourcing strategies with product development, managing contract manufacturers, negotiating agreements, optimizing costs, and ensuring product quality and supply reliability. The ideal candidate has a strong background in contract manufacturing, supplier management, and market intelligence within the construction chemicals sector.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage private-label (PFR) vendors: develop sourcing strategies, lead negotiations, onboard new vendors, ensure compliance, analyze market trends.
• Manage chemical contract manufacturers: collaborate with R&D, select and benchmark manufacturers, negotiate pricing, explore new suppliers, support international formulation implementation.
• General sourcing & supply management: build supplier relationships, drive cost reduction, track KPIs, support cross-functional teams, conduct spend analysis.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field.
• 5+ years in sourcing, procurement, or category management in private-label or chemical manufacturing sectors.
• Strong negotiation, supplier management, and market intelligence skills.

Travel and Physical Requirements:

• Travel 25-30%.
• Must pass pre-employment physical, lift 50 pounds, push/pull 25 pounds, and be able to stand/sit for periods during the day.

This position can be remote but requires travel to Bethany, CT.

Additional Details:

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Marketing and Sales
• Industries: Wholesale Building Materials