Category Manager, Steel / Metals

JB Poindexter & Co; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

A diversified manufacturing company in Houston is seeking a Supply Chain Manager to develop global sourcing strategies for Steel/Metals. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in supply chain management and negotiation skills. Responsibilities include managing supplier relationships, ensuring timely procurement, and leading continuous improvement initiatives. A Bachelor's degree and 5-8 years in a related role are required, along with the ability to travel domestically. This role offers a robust opportunity for impactful work in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 5-8+ years of experience in a Supply Chain or Procurement role related to Steel / Metals.
• Full knowledge of the Steel / Metals industry, including manufacturing processes.
• Ability to travel domestically 25-50%.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global sourcing strategies.
• Lead supplier sourcing, evaluation, and negotiation.
• Manage supplier relationships and improve performance.

Skills

Supply Chain Management

Negotiation

Analytical Skills

Organizational Skills

Manufacturing Processes

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

ERP/MRP Systems

Job description

Posted Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 5:00 AM

Company and Position Overview

JB Poindexter & Co (JBPCO) is a privately held, diversified manufacturing company forecasting $3B in annual revenue and 10,000 team members in 2026. JBPCO prides itself on providing best-in-class commercial automotive and industrial vehicles. The nine operating subsidiaries, covering approximately 70 locations, are engaged in the production of commercial truck bodies, step-vans, utility trucks, ambulances, funeral coaches, limousines, electric and alternative fuel vehicles, pickup truck bed enclosures, and expandable foam plastic packaging. For more information about our industry leading brands and products, visit JBPoindexter.com or connect on LinkedIn.

Develop and execute global sourcing strategies for Steel / Metals and/or assigned items. Plan and implement activities for timely, cost-effective procurement, planning, and on-time delivery of assigned category products. Prioritize and maintain balance between cost of acquisition and cost of possession to maximize return on investment including methodologies to maximize working capital.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Supplier Management

• Lead supplier sourcing, evaluation and selection, negotiation, performance monitoring, relationship management, and continuous improvement
• Work closely with Finance, Engineering, and Sales & Marketing to develop and maintain technology and/or category strategies
• Develop and maintain strong global supplier relationships, including supplier site visits and relationships at all levels of their organization
• Track and report on supplier strategies, monitoring spending, business allocation, capability gap analysis, and facilitate cross-functional review and evaluation
• Develop strategies for the mitigation of risk in the supply chain, overall, and for specific new product programs
• Provide benchmarking studies and market analysis
• Negotiate buys & long-term agreements for components and raw material
• Organize and lead regular strategic supplier business reviews
• Advise Business Units and Corporate on Financial Hedge opportunities to protect margins.

Process

• Facilitate the support of category analysis (internal and external) in support of the Strategic Sourcing processes.
• Manage sourcing and negotiations, implementation of agreements and integration of key suppliers, performance monitoring, ongoing supplier and contract management for assigned commodities.
• Assist in the development and enhancement of processes, systems, and reporting capabilities to drive efficiencies in providing regional procurement services.
• Help improve processes and leverage technology to reduce costs, identify and implement best practices, and measure performance.
• Provide direction and prioritization to re-engineering team efforts.
• Identify appropriate competitive benchmarks and implements approved process changes necessary to achieve first quintile performance in benchmark group.
• Contribute to Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) reduction efforts and initiatives to achieve the benefits.
• Assist in the improvement of systems and work processes.

Supplier Continuous Improvement

• Generate and present supplier performance metrics to suppliers and manage associated corrective action and continuous improvement initiatives, such as VA-VE and lead time reduction programs.
• Perform and/or evaluate root cause problem resolution for all supplier-related issues and ensure the integrity of corrective actions.
• Organize and execute regular supplier site evaluations and audits.

Qualifications and Skills

• 5-8+ years related experience in a Supply Chain or Procurement role related to Steel / Metals.
• Bachelor’s Degree from a four-year college or university.
• Full knowledge of the Steel / Metals industry, to include manufacturing process, sources / suppliers for both the flat-rolled and long product, at both the domestic and international level.
• General knowledge of commodity and derivative/futures transactions.
• Ability to travel domestically 25-50%.
• Ability to manage long lead-time product deliveries in support of production.
• Working knowledge of assembly & manufacturing processes.
• Thorough knowledge of Purchasing Law and Uniform Commercial Code.
• Strong organizational, analytical and negotiating skills.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Project.
• Thorough understanding of financial impact of decisions.
• Previous ERP/MRP experience.
• Purchasing in a Manufacturing/Engineered Product environment.
• Interfacing with manufacturing engineering and program management teams.
• Experience in executing Global Supply Chain initiatives & strategic planning.
• Experience in global procurement and sourcing.
• C.P.M., CPSM, or CPIM certification is preferred.

JB Poindexter & Co., Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.