Senior Direct Materials Category Manager

Solmax; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Solmax is seeking a Direct Materials Category Manager to own strategy and commercial performance for approximately $100 million in annual non-resin direct-material spend across the Americas. You will lead category governance, supplier awards, and risk-mitigation within policy and authority, partnering with manufacturing and engineering teams.

The role requires 8–10 years in strategic sourcing or procurement leadership in manufacturing, with proven savings delivery and strong analytics

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Finance, or related field.
• 8–10 years of progressive strategic sourcing, category management, or procurement leadership in manufacturing.
• Experience developing and executing category strategies and leading high-value direct-material spend.
• Documented cost savings through strategic sourcing and negotiations.
• Strong understanding of global trade economics and commodity markets.

Responsibilities

• Develop, execute, and refine multi-year category strategies with quantified savings targets.
• Rationalize and manage supplier base, introduce competition, and monitor performance commitments.
• Lead complex negotiations for favorable pricing, terms, and service levels.
• Own supply market intelligence and monitor industry trends to protect margins.
• Implement cost-reduction initiatives and value engineering to improve profitability.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks to ensure material availability.
• Collaborate with QA teams to maintain product quality and compliance.
• Partner with production, engineering, R&D, and quality teams to support innovation.

Skills

Executive-level communication

Analytical skills

Independent business ownership

Cost modeling

Risk management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Finance, or a related field

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

Solmax is seeking a Direct Materials Category Manager to own strategy and commercial performance for approximately $100 million in annual non-resin direct-material spend across the Americas. You will lead category governance, supplier awards, and risk-mitigation within policy and authority, partnering with manufacturing and engineering teams.

The role requires 8–10 years in strategic sourcing or procurement leadership in manufacturing, with proven savings delivery and strong analytics