Senior Direct Materials Category Manager

Solmax; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Solmax is seeking a Direct Materials Category Manager to lead category strategy and commercial performance for a $100 million spend across the Americas supporting 6 manufacturing facilities. You will guide governance, supplier selection, and risk mitigation within policy and authority limits.

The role emphasizes cost optimization, supplier performance, and collaboration with production, engineering, and R&D to enable uninterrupted material supply and continuous improvement across finished and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• 8–10 years in strategic sourcing, category management, or procurement leadership within manufacturing.
• Track record of delivering material cost savings through strategic sourcing and negotiations.
• Strong understanding of global trade economics, commodity markets, and cost drivers.
• Ability to operate as an independent business owner with minimal oversight.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Executive-level communication to senior leadership.
• Proficiency with procurement analytics tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop multi-year category strategies with quantified savings targets and clear roadmaps.
• Rationalize and manage the supplier base, encouraging competition and accountability.
• Lead complex negotiations for favorable pricing, terms, and service levels.
• Own market intelligence to inform decisions and protect margins.
• Implement cost-reduction and value engineering initiatives.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks to ensure continuity.
• Collaborate with QA and production teams to safeguard quality and compliance.
• Partner with engineering, R&D, and quality teams to drive innovation and efficiency.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Executive communication

Independent business owner mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

Solmax is seeking a Direct Materials Category Manager to lead category strategy and commercial performance for a $100 million spend across the Americas supporting 6 manufacturing facilities. You will guide governance, supplier selection, and risk mitigation within policy and authority limits.

The role emphasizes cost optimization, supplier performance, and collaboration with production, engineering, and R&D to enable uninterrupted material supply and continuous improvement across finished and