Category Manager (Direct Materials)

Airswift; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule (3 onsite / 2 off

Private equity-backed growth

Job summary

Airswift is partnering with a growing chemical manufacturing organization to hire a Direct Materials Category Manager in Houston, TX. The role focuses on developing sourcing strategies for direct materials, conducting supplier negotiations, and driving cost and supply continuity across a diverse materials portfolio.

The successful candidate will Collaborate with Operations, Manufacturing, Engineering, Finance, and Quality teams to align procurement with business goals, manage supplier

Qualifications

• 5+ years in category management, strategic sourcing, procurement, or commercial roles in chemical manufacturing.
• Experience sourcing direct materials, raw materials, or commodities.
• Strong negotiation and supplier-management skills.
• Knowledge of chemical markets, petrochemicals, and supply chains.
• Experience with SAP, BI tools or similar systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for direct materials, specialty chemicals, and commodity raw materials.
• Lead supplier negotiations, RFQs, contracts, and commercial agreements.
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers to strengthen the supply base and mitigate risk.
• Perform market, spend analysis, and cost modeling to support decisions.
• Monitor market trends to identify opportunities and risks; collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Drive supplier performance management focusing on cost, quality, service, and delivery.

Skills

Category management

Strategic sourcing

Procurement

Supplier relationships

Contract negotiations

Cost reduction

Data analysis

Procurement tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Chemistry

Tools

SAP

Tableau

Power BI

Coupa

Job description

Airswift is partnering with a growing chemical manufacturing organization backed by private equity to identify a Direct Materials Category Manager to join its Supply Chain team in Houston, TX.

This position will play a critical role in developing and executing sourcing strategies for direct materials, specialty chemicals, and commodity-based raw materials supporting manufacturing operations. Reporting directly to the Supply Chain Director, the successful candidate will manage supplier relationships, negotiate commercial agreements, develop category strategies, and drive cost, quality, and supply continuity across a diverse portfolio of materials.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing and category management strategies for direct materials, specialty chemicals, and commodity-based raw materials.
• Lead supplier negotiations, RFQs, contract development, and commercial agreement management.
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers to strengthen the supply base and mitigate risk.
• Perform market analysis, spend analysis, and cost modeling to support sourcing decisions and pricing strategies.
• Monitor raw material, petrochemical, and energy market trends to identify opportunities and risks.
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Manufacturing, Engineering, Finance, and Quality teams to align procurement strategies with business objectives.
• Drive supplier performance management initiatives focused on cost, quality, service, and delivery metrics.
• Maintain pricing, contracts, and procurement data within company systems and ensure compliance with procurement policies and processes.
• Leverage procurement technologies and analytics tools to improve visibility, decision-making, and sourcing effectiveness.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in category management, strategic sourcing, procurement, or commercial roles supporting direct materials within chemical, petrochemical, specialty chemical, polymer, or industrial chemical manufacturing environments.
• Experience sourcing direct materials, raw materials, specialty chemicals, commodities, feedstocks, or related products.
• Strong commercial acumen with demonstrated success negotiating contracts, pricing agreements, and supplier relationships.
• Knowledge of chemical manufacturing, petrochemical markets, or commodity-driven supply chains.
• Experience developing category strategies and delivering cost savings initiatives.
• Strong analytical skills with experience utilizing procurement and business intelligence tools.
• Experience with SAP, Tableau, Power BI, Coupa, or similar systems is highly preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment and quickly adapt to new technologies and tools, including AI-enabled solutions.

What Makes This Opportunity Interesting

• Opportunity to join a growing chemical manufacturing organization at a transformational stage of its evolution.
• Direct visibility to Supply Chain leadership with significant influence on sourcing strategy and supplier decisions.
• Ownership of critical direct material categories that directly impact manufacturing performance and profitability.
• Exposure to complex commodity and specialty chemical markets.
• Collaborative environment offering strong mentorship and future growth opportunities as the organization expands.
• Hybrid work schedule based in Houston, TX (3 days onsite / 2 days remote).

If you have experience in chemical industry procurement, category management, strategic sourcing, or commercial negotiations and are interested in joining a growing organization where you can make an immediate impact, I'd be happy to discuss this opportunity confidentially.