Senior Direct Materials Sourcing Lead

Michelman; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Michelman is seeking a Senior Category Specialist, Direct Materials to lead direct spend activities across assigned materials and suppliers. You will drive sourcing strategy, supplier evaluation, and contract execution with growing autonomy while coordinating with Supply Chain and R&D to meet product needs.

This role emphasizes cost optimization, risk management and supplier partnership, with a focus on maintaining continuity of supply and meeting business priorities for global operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 5–7+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain.
• Experience supporting or leading sourcing events, supplier negotiations, and procurement operations.

Responsibilities

• Execute defined elements of the direct category management strategy with greater autonomy.
• Lead moderate to high complexity sourcing events, supplier evaluation, qualification, negotiations and commercial discussions.
• Develop and execute sourcing plans aligned with supply planning and business priorities.
• Monitor raw material market trends, supplier developments, and pricing changes.

Skills

Analytical capability

Cross-functional collaboration

Negotiation

Cost management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Chemistry, Business, or a related field

Tools

ERP platforms

Catalogues

Spend analytics

JDE experience

Job description

Michelman is seeking a Senior Category Specialist, Direct Materials to lead direct spend activities across assigned materials and suppliers. You will drive sourcing strategy, supplier evaluation, and contract execution with growing autonomy while coordinating with Supply Chain and R&D to meet product needs.

This role emphasizes cost optimization, risk management and supplier partnership, with a focus on maintaining continuity of supply and meeting business priorities for global operations.