Category Manager-Direct Materials

Austin Powder; Kentucky; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Austin Powder is seeking a Category Manager-Direct Materials to build and manage category strategies within the Procurement Department. You will lead strategic sourcing events, negotiate contract terms, and analyze spend across indirect categories to deliver value and reduce risk.

You will develop supplier relationships, manage a team of site buyers or procurement specialists, and collaborate with internal stakeholders to promote procurement policies and drive savings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required; MBA is desired.
• 7+ years of experience in Strategic Sourcing in a manufacturing environment with exposure to commodity chemicals, additives, packaging, and component parts.
• Experience leading project teams and resources and driving savings/value.

Responsibilities

• Develop category strategies and lead strategic sourcing events.
• Write and negotiate contract terms and documents; analyze spend across indirect spend categories.
• Manage supplier relationships and performance to meet expectations.
• Drive cost savings, supply security, and strategic initiatives across materials and sub-categories.
• Lead multiple sourcing projects and provide regular updates to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Financial Planning & Analysis, Accounting, Legal, and other functions.

Skills

Relationship-building

Communication

Stakeholder coordination

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree

MBA

Job description

Join the Family - Come work for an exciting company offering great benefits, challenging opportunities, and colleagues who feel more like family.Job SummaryAs a Category Manager-Direct Materials in Austin Powder’s Procurement Department, you’ll be responsible for building/managing categories strategies and delivering strong results that have significant value to the business. This will include activities such as: developing and leading strategic sourcing events; writing and negotiating contract terms and documents; and analyzing spend associated with specific indirect spend categories.You will develop sourcing strategies that positively impact bottom-line results/value while minimizing risks, foster internal and external relationships, and work with internal stakeholders to educate and promote the procurement policies. You will report to the Director of Supply Chain & Procurement.Roles & ResponsibilitiesProvide thought leadership in developing advanced category strategies and assist in identifying & managing “critical” and/or “preferred” supplier relationshipsManage directly or via dotted line a team of site buyers and/or procurement specialists.Manage supplier performance and relationships to ensure the organization’s expectations are metDevelop, foster and promote relationships with internal functions; routinely discuss processes, policies, and benefits derived through the Strategic Sourcing & Procurement organizationLead cost savings, supply security, and strategic initiatives for raw materials, packaging, other components along with other sub-categories, including building successful sourcing strategies, driving strategic improvements, and delivering on operational targets, savings goals, and business strategiesDrive and manage multiple sourcing projects simultaneously while providing your internal stakeholders and leaders with regular updatesUtilize sourcing tools to assist in departmental efforts to continually refine and improve sourcing and procurement processes, policies, and toolsConduct total cost modeling and sensitivity/scenario analysis to help stakeholders understand the trade-offs and benefits of various outcome.Assist with the analysis and planning for various components of indirect spend categories to ensure operational success and resultsConducting ongoing reviews of categories to inform future category strategies and activitiesPartner with multiple corporate functions (e.g., Financial Planning & Analysis, Accounting, Legal, etc.) as part of your sourcing projects and related activitiesThe selected candidate will take ownership of projects and drive them to completion understanding that the results will have a strong impact on the department's objectivesPreferred QualificationsBachelor’s degree is required, MBA is desired7+ years of experience in Strategic Sourcing in a manufacturing environment with exposure to commodity chemicals, additives, packaging, and component partsDemonstrated capabilities of developing/implementing category strategies, leading sourcing projects, contract negotiations and authoring, and driving savings/valueKnowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesStrong relationship-building, verbal and written communication, interpersonal, motivational, and influencing skills; coordination across related disciplines and with key stakeholderCapable of coordinating across business units and sharing critical information, with particular strength in explaining complex concepts and coaching individuals through complex decision-makingExperience coordinating teams, collecting insights, and constructively challenge internal stakeholders with conventional thinkingDeep Understanding of multi-step strategic sourcing processes, sourcing tools, and strategiesOrganized and adaptable with demonstrated ability to prioritize projects, meet deadlines, and deliver resultsDemonstrated progression in career with increasing responsibilities, including experience leading project teams and resourcesComfortable with organizational change; able to thrive in a rapidly changing business environmentWork Environment and Physical DemandsPhysical demands include sitting for extended periods of time while frequently typing, viewing computer screens and use of mouse/keyboard.Operation of office equipment to include but not limited to telephones, printers, copiers, and scanners.Repetitive motion of data entry, hand, finger wrist motion and dexterity.May include filing and handling paperwork may involve reaching, grasping, or bending.Light lifting and carrying of office supplies, files, or boxes (generally under 25 lbs.).Will require walking and standing during the office hours.Good vision for reading and screen use.Clear verbal communication and active listening, often over the phone or video calls.Austin Powder is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Austin Powder also participates in E-Verify.This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and for inquiring about, discussing or disclosing compensation. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.