Category Manager-Direct Materials

AUSTIN POWDER COMPANY; United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Austin Powder Company seeks a Senior Strategic Sourcing leader in the United States to develop and execute category strategies across chemicals, additives, packaging and components. You will manage supplier relationships and a team of site buyers or procurement specialists, driving performance and value.

You will collaborate with Finance, Legal and other functions to deliver cost savings, supply security and strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required; MBA is desired.
• 7+ years of Strategic Sourcing experience in a manufacturing environment with exposure to commodity chemicals, additives, packaging, and components.
• Proven capabilities in developing/implementing category strategies, leading sourcing projects, negotiating contracts and driving savings/value.

Responsibilities

• Provide thought leadership in developing advanced category strategies and assist in identifying & managing 'critical' and/or 'preferred' supplier relationships.
• Manage 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 met.
• Develop, foster and promote relationships with internal functions; discuss processes, policies, and benefits from Strategic Sourcing & Procurement.
• Lead cost savings, supply security, and strategic initiatives for raw materials, packaging, other components and sub-categories.
• Drive and manage multiple sourcing projects while providing regular updates to stakeholders.
• Utilize sourcing tools to refine and improve sourcing processes, policies, and tools.
• Conduct total cost modeling and scenario analyses to illustrate trade-offs and benefits.
• Assist with analysis and planning for indirect spend categories to ensure success and results.
• Conduct ongoing reviews of categories to inform future strategies.
• Partner with Finance, Accounting, Legal, and other functions on sourcing projects.
• Own projects and drive them to completion with measurable impact.

Skills

Relationship-building

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Negotiation

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA (preferred)

Job description

Roles & Responsibilities

• Provide thought leadership in developing advanced category strategies and assist in identifying & managing "critical" and/or "preferred" supplier relationships.
• Manage 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 met.
• Develop, foster and promote relationships with internal functions; routinely discuss processes, policies, and benefits derived through the Strategic Sourcing & Procurement organization.
• Lead 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 strategies.
• Drive and manage multiple sourcing projects simultaneously while providing your internal stakeholders and leaders with regular updates.
• Utilize sourcing tools to assist in departmental efforts to continually refine and improve sourcing and procurement processes, policies, and tools.
• Conduct total cost modeling and sensitivity/scenario analysis to help stakeholders understand the trade-offs and benefits of various outcomes.
• Assist with the analysis and planning for various components of indirect spend categories to ensure operational success and results.
• Conduct ongoing reviews of categories to inform future category strategies and activities.
• Partner with multiple corporate functions (e.g., Financial Planning & Analysis, Accounting, Legal, etc.) as part of your sourcing projects and related activities.
• The 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 objectives.

Preferred 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.
• Demonstrated capabilities of developing/implementing category strategies, leading sourcing projects, contract negotiations and authoring, and driving savings/value.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong relationship-building, verbal and written communication, interpersonal, motivational, and influencing skills; coordination across related disciplines and with key stakeholders.
• Capable of coordinating across business units and sharing critical information, with particular strength in explaining complex concepts and coaching individuals through complex decision-making.
• Experience coordinating teams, collecting insights, and constructively challenging internal stakeholders with conventional thinking.
• Deep understanding of multi-step strategic sourcing processes, sourcing tools, and strategies.
• Organized and adaptable with demonstrated ability to prioritize projects, meet deadlines, and deliver results.
• Demonstrated progression in career with increasing responsibilities, including experience leading project teams and resources.
• Comfortable with organizational change; able to thrive in a rapidly changing business environment.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Physical demands include sitting for extended periods of time while frequently typing, viewing computer screens and using a 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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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 41CFR 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.