Direct Materials Manager — Strategic Sourcing & Leadership

Aspen Aerogels, Inc.; Northborough (MA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Aspen Aerogels, Inc. seeks a strategic Direct Materials Manager to lead category management for manufacturing in the US and Mexico, focusing on cost-out, supply continuity, and supplier performance.

You will develop category strategies, own supplier negotiations, and drive risk mitigation across global sourcing teams. The role requires leadership of a high-performing team, collaboration with planning, operations, engineering, quality and finance, and accountability for direct materials results

Responsibilities

• Lead direct materials category management for the US and Mexico, co-develop 3–5 year category strategies and execute annual plans.
• Own category plans, negotiations and supplier relationships for key materials (batting, silanes, wet/dry chemicals, industrial gases).
• Manage supplier relationships regionally and with Asia for supplier development and audits.
• Secure supply for critical materials via long-term contracts and dual sourcing to mitigate single-source risk.
• Develop and maintain a supplier risk register covering capacity, financial, geopolitical and origin risks.

Skills

People leadership

Strategic sourcing

Supply risk management

Data-driven decision making

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Aspen Aerogels, Inc. seeks a strategic Direct Materials Manager to lead category management for manufacturing in the US and Mexico, focusing on cost-out, supply continuity, and supplier performance.

You will develop category strategies, own supplier negotiations, and drive risk mitigation across global sourcing teams. The role requires leadership of a high-performing team, collaboration with planning, operations, engineering, quality and finance, and accountability for direct materials results