Category Manager

LATICRETE International; Elk Grove Village (IL); Remote; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the construction chemical industry is seeking a Category Manager to lead sourcing strategies for private-label and contract-manufactured products. This role requires strong negotiation skills and a background in chemical manufacturing. The position offers remote work with travel requirements, and the candidate will manage vendor relationships and ensure supply reliability.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision

401k, Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave

Flexible spending and insurance options

Plant shutdown between Christmas and New Year

Qualifications

• 5+ years in sourcing, procurement, or category management in chemical manufacturing.
• Knowledge of chemical formulations and industry regulations.

Responsibilities

• Manage private-label vendors and develop sourcing strategies.
• Identify and engage contract manufacturers, negotiate pricing.
• Build supplier relationships and drive cost reductions.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier Management

Analytical Skills

Communication

Project Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Business

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?

Company Overview

At LATICRETE International, we aim to be a top ten construction chemical company that values family, diversity, collaboration, and invention. Family owned for over 65 years, available in 100 countries, and recognized as one of Connecticut’s Top Family Owned Companies in 2017, we strive to connect with and improve the lives of our employees, customers, and communities.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401k, Tuition reimbursement
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
• Flexible spending and insurance options
• Plant shutdown between Christmas and New Year

Position Summary

This role leads sourcing strategies for private-label and contract-manufactured chemical products within the construction industry, aligning sourcing with product development, managing vendors, negotiating, and ensuring quality and supply reliability.

Key Responsibilities

1. Manage Private-Label Vendors (40%)
   • Develop sourcing strategies, negotiate contracts, onboard new vendors, ensure compliance, analyze market trends.
2. Manage Chemical Contract Manufacturers (40%)
   • Identify and engage contract manufacturers, negotiate pricing, explore new manufacturers, support international formulations.
3. General Sourcing & Supply Management (20%)
   • Build supplier relationships, drive cost reductions, track KPIs, support cross-functional teams, conduct spend analysis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field
• 5+ years in sourcing, procurement, or category management in chemical manufacturing
• Strong negotiation, supplier management, and analytical skills
• Knowledge of chemical formulations and industry regulations
• Excellent communication and project management skills

Additional Requirements

• Travel 25-30%
• Must pass pre-employment physical, able to lift 50 lbs, stand and sit for 50% of the day

Employment Details

• Remote position with required travel to Bethany, CT
• Mid-Senior level, Full-time
• Industry: Wholesale Building Materials