Category Manager

ASSA ABLOY Sicherheitstechnik GmbH; Mason City (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ASSA ABLOY Sicherheitstechnik GmbH is seeking a Category Manager to drive procurement strategies across North America. The role will shape category plans for door core, direct materials, indirect spend, and services, with on-site work at multiple sites including Mason City, IA, and Paramus, NJ, as business needs evolve.

The ideal candidate develops sourcing roadmaps, leads RFx processes, and negotiates favorable terms while aligning with safety, compliance, and company policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field.
• gives 3+ years in procurement, category management, or supply chain.
• Experience managing procurement categories in manufacturing.
• Proven ability to lead supplier negotiations and manage performance.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Able to influence across functions and levels.
• Experience in multi-site or matrixed environments; strong PM skills.
• Proficient with MS Office; able to leverage data analytics and AI-enabled tools.
• Up to 40% travel, domestic and international.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category and sourcing strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Analyze spend, market conditions, supplier capabilities, and cost drivers to identify value opportunities.
• Lead supplier sourcing activities including RFx, proposals, negotiations, and implementation.
• Evaluate new suppliers, products, and technologies to support performance and innovation.
• Negotiate commercial agreements balancing cost, quality, delivery, and risk.
• Manage supplier relationships and conduct business reviews to drive improvements.
• Support continuity, supplier development, and alternative sourcing strategies.
• Stay current on market trends and best practices within assigned categories.
• Promote sourcing discipline, preferred supplier utilization, and policy compliance.
• Utilize data analytics and automation to improve decision-making and outcomes.

Skills

Category management

Supplier negotiations

Spend analysis

Stakeholder collaboration

Project management

Data analytics

Travel up to 40%

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain/Business/Engineering

MBA or CPSM/CSCP/CPM/APICS certification (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Overview

Are you a strategic sourcing professional who enjoys building supplier partnerships, developing category strategies, and creating value across a manufacturing organization? Do you thrive in roles where you can influence business decisions, improve supplier performance, and drive results through collaboration? If you answered yes … we should talk! ASSA ABLOY is seeking a Category Manager to support procurement and sourcing initiatives across North America. This position will play a key role in developing and executing category strategies across assigned procurement categories, which may include Door Core, direct materials, indirect spend, services, and other categories as business needs evolve. The role is based 100% on‑site out of our Mesquite, Texas Service Center, Ceco brand in Milan, Tennessee, Curries brand in Mason City, Iowa, or new office in Paramus, New Jersey slated to open this fall.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category and sourcing strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Analyze spend, market conditions, supplier capabilities, and cost drivers to identify opportunities for value creation and risk reduction.
• Lead supplier sourcing activities, including supplier qualification, RFx processes, proposal evaluation, negotiations, and implementation.
• Evaluate new suppliers, products, materials, and technologies that support innovation and operational performance.
• Negotiate commercial agreements while balancing cost, quality, delivery, risk, and operational requirements.
• Manage supplier relationships, conduct business reviews, and implement performance improvement initiatives.
• Support supply continuity, supplier development, alternative sourcing strategies, and risk mitigation efforts.
• Stay current on market trends, emerging technologies, and industry best practices within assigned categories.
• Promote sourcing discipline, preferred supplier utilization, and compliance with procurement standards and company policies.
• Leverage data analytics, automation, and AI‑enabled tools to improve decision‑making and business outcomes.
• Champion a safe work environment and ensure compliance with company policies, sourcing standards, regulatory requirements, and the ASSA ABLOY Code of Conduct.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Operations Management, Finance, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3+ years of experience in procurement, category management, supply chain, operations, engineering, manufacturing, or a related field.
• Experience managing procurement categories within a manufacturing environment, including direct materials, indirect spend, manufacturing inputs, or services.
• Experience developing sourcing strategies, leading supplier negotiations, and managing supplier performance.
• Strong commercial, analytical, negotiation, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and collaborate effectively across functions and organizational levels.
• Experience working within a multi‑site and/or matrixed manufacturing environment.
• Strong project management and prioritization skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and demonstrated aptitude for leveraging data analytics, automation, and AI‑enabled solutions.
• Ability to travel up to 40%, including domestic and international travel.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA, CPSM, CPM, CSCP, APICS certification, or other relevant business, procurement, or supply chain credentials.

Additional Information

• This position may be staffed at an alternative level within the job family to align with the selected candidate’s skills, experience, and business needs.

AADG, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Minorities/Females/Disabled/Veteran #LI-LB1