Direct Materials Category Manager — Hybrid (Houston)

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 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