Senior Category Manager - Direct Materials Strategy

Austin Powder; Beachwood (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Austin Powder is seeking a Category Manager-Direct Materials in Beachwood, OH to lead and develop category strategies for key materials. The role involves managing supplier relationships, driving savings, and coordinating across cross-functional teams to meet procurement targets.

Prospective candidates should bring extensive experience in strategic sourcing within manufacturing, strong negotiation skills, and a track record of delivering cost reductions while ensuring supply continuity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required.
• MBA is desired.
• 7+ years of experience in Strategic Sourcing in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide thought leadership in developing advanced category strategies and identify supplier relationships.
• Manage a team of site buyers and procurement specialists.
• Develop supplier relationships and manage performance to meet expectations.
• Lead cost savings, supply security, and strategic initiatives for raw materials, packaging, and components.
• Drive and manage multiple sourcing projects and provide regular updates to stakeholders.
• Conduct total cost modeling and scenario analysis to inform decisions.

Skills

Strategic Sourcing

Category Strategy

Contract Negotiations

Leadership

Stakeholder Management

Cross-functional Collaboration

Analytical Thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

MBA

Job description

Austin Powder is seeking a Category Manager-Direct Materials in Beachwood, OH to lead and develop category strategies for key materials. The role involves managing supplier relationships, driving savings, and coordinating across cross-functional teams to meet procurement targets.

Prospective candidates should bring extensive experience in strategic sourcing within manufacturing, strong negotiation skills, and a track record of delivering cost reductions while ensuring supply continuity.