Level 4 Category Manager

Aston Carter; United States; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great benefits package

Work-life balance

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Aston Carter in Somerset, NJ is seeking a Sr Commodity Manager to own end-to-end category strategy across a global supply base, with a strong emphasis on long-term planning and cross-functional leadership.

This role partners with engineering and operations, focuses on supplier selection, cost optimization, risk management, and driving value through strategic sourcing and supplier performance. Hybrid work from Somerset, NJ is available.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of supply chain experience required.
• 5+ years owning a category.
• Industry experience required.
• Proven experience in strategic sourcing (not transactional buying).
• Demonstrated ability to build and execute long-term category strategies.

Responsibilities

• Own and execute the sourcing strategy for a category or sub-category.
• Manage full lifecycle of suppliers including selection, onboarding, and ongoing performance management.
• Lead negotiations for pricing, terms, and supplier agreements to achieve cost savings.
• Drive cost savings and optimization initiatives with direct ownership of targets.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations to support sourcing decisions.
• Monitor supplier performance using scorecards, KPIs, and reviews.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks and manage supplier relationships.
• Analyze data and TCO to inform sourcing strategies.
• Execute sourcing initiatives end-to-end and ensure timely delivery.
• Work with cross-functional teams to align priorities and timelines.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of sourcing processes and tools.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Category management

Supplier negotiations

Cross-functional collaboration

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

Job Title: Commodity Manager

Location: Somerset, NJ (Hybrid)

Salary: $120,000 - $145,000

A highly reputable manufacturing company is looking for an Sr Category Manager to join their team! This role includes a large range of duties including but not limited to global ownership of a defined category, with a strong emphasis on building and executing long-term, 5-10 year category strategies aligned to business objectives. The Category Manager will lead the end-to-end supplier strategy, including evaluating, selecting, developing, consolidating, or exiting suppliers to optimize the global supply base. Acting as the subject matter expert (SME), this individual will provide strategic guidance to internal stakeholders while driving supplier performance across cost, quality, delivery, and innovation. The position requires close cross-functional collaboration with engineering, operations, and leadership teams to ensure alignment and value creation. Additionally, the role focuses on proactively identifying and mitigating supply chain risks, strengthening supplier relationships, and transitioning the organization from reactive firefighting to a more strategic, forward-looking approach to procurement and category management.

Responsibilities

• Own and execute the sourcing strategy for a specific category or sub-category, ensuring alignment with overall business and supply chain objectives
• Manage the full lifecycle of suppliers, including selection, onboarding, and ongoing performance management
• Lead negotiations for pricing, commercial terms, and supplier agreements to achieve cost savings and favorable conditions
• Drive cost savings and cost optimization initiatives, taking direct ownership of cost reduction targets and outcomes
• Partner closely with engineering and operations teams to support sourcing decisions and evaluate technical requirements
• Monitor and manage supplier performance using scorecards, KPIs, and regular business reviews
• Actively manage supplier relationships to ensure consistent performance and accountability
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks such as capacity constraints, single-source exposure, and continuity risks
• Analyze data, cost drivers, and total cost of ownership (TCO) to inform sourcing strategies
• Execute sourcing initiatives end-to-end, ensuring timely and effective delivery of results
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to maintain alignment on priorities and timelines
• Contribute to continuous improvement of sourcing processes and tools

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree required Masters degree preferred
• 12+ years of Supply Chain experience required
• 5+ years owning a category
• industry experience required
• Proven experience in strategic sourcing (not transactional buying)
• Demonstrated ability to build and execute long-term category strategies
• Strong supplier management and negotiation skills

Benefits

• Great benefits package
• Work life balance
• Stability and clear opportunities for growth into other areas of the dealership over time.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Somerset, NJ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $130000.00 - $160000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

We can send candidates the benefits guide they shared with us

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 3, 2026.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.