Category Manager

LATICRETE International; San Diego (CA); Remote; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

LATICRETE International seeks a passionate Category Manager to lead sourcing strategies for private-label chemicals. This role focuses on managing vendors, negotiating contracts, and ensuring product quality. Ideal candidates possess strong negotiation skills and a background in procurement or category management, aiming to drive cost efficiency and supplier relationships across the construction industry.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision

401k

Tuition reimbursement

13 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave

Flexible spending accounts

Life Insurance, AD&D, and Supplemental Insurance

One-week paid plant shutdown between Christmas and New Year’s

Qualifications

• 5+ years in sourcing, procurement, or category management, preferably in private-label chemicals.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Knowledge of chemical formulations and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Manage sourcing strategies for private-label chemical products.
• Collaborate with R&D and negotiate with contract manufacturers.
• Build supplier relationships and track cost savings.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier Management

Market Analysis

Project Management

Communication

Education

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

Job description

Join to apply for the Category Manager role at LATICRETE International.

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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. With over 65 years in business, family owned for three generations, and presence in 100 countries, we are recognized as one of Connecticut’s Top Family Owned Companies.

We develop industry-leading products and strive to improve the lives of our employees, customers, partners, and communities worldwide. We seek passionate employees eager to make a difference locally and globally. Join us and expand your horizons!

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401k
• Tuition reimbursement
• 13 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life Insurance, AD&D, and Supplemental Insurance
• One-week paid plant shutdown between Christmas and New Year’s

Position Summary:

This role leads sourcing strategies for private-label and contract-manufactured chemical products in the USA and internationally within the construction industry. Responsibilities include aligning sourcing with product development, managing contract manufacturers, negotiating agreements, and ensuring quality and supply reliability. The ideal candidate has a background in contract manufacturing, supplier management, and market intelligence in construction chemicals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage Private-Label Vendors (40%): Develop sourcing strategies, lead negotiations, evaluate new vendors, ensure compliance, analyze market trends.
• Manage Chemical Contract Manufacturers (40%): Collaborate with R&D, benchmark manufacturers, negotiate pricing, explore new manufacturers, support international formulations.
• General Sourcing & Supply Management (20%): Build supplier relationships, drive cost reductions, track savings and KPIs, support cross-functional teams, perform spend analysis.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field.
• 5+ years in sourcing, procurement, or category management, preferably in private-label chemicals.
• Strong negotiation, supplier management, and market analysis skills.
• Knowledge of chemical formulations, regulatory compliance.
• Experience with RFIs, RFQs, contract negotiations, risk mitigation.
• Excellent communication, project management, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and adapt to shifting priorities.

Travel & Physical Requirements:

• Travel 25-30%.
• Must pass pre-employment physical, lift 50 lbs, push/pull 25 lbs, stand and sit 50% of the time.

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
• Industry: Wholesale Building Materials