Strategic Category Lead, Direct Materials & Sourcing

Sterling BV, Inc.; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling BV, Inc. in San Antonio, TX, seeks a Senior Manager, Category Management to lead direct material sourcing strategies across proteins, dairy, fats, grains, and ingredients, driving cost competitiveness, supply continuity, and supplier performance.

As a partner to Operations, Finance, Quality, and R&D, you will develop procurement governance, coach Category Buyers, and deliver validated savings while aligning strategies with short- and long-term business goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, Procurement, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive procurement, sourcing, or category management experience, including leadership.
• Food manufacturing or food ingredient procurement experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success managing direct material categories, supplier negotiations, and strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Experience leading category reviews, savings programs, and supplier performance management processes.
• Proven ability to develop teams and influence cross-functional stakeholders.
• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CPM, CSCP, or CPIM preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for assigned direct material categories.
• Lead supplier selection, negotiations, contract management, and relationship development.
• Monitor commodity markets, industry trends, and supply risks to inform sourcing decisions.
• Drive competitive sourcing initiatives and benchmarking to optimize total cost of ownership.
• Develop contingency plans to address supply disruptions, market volatility, and supplier performance issues.
• Ensure continuity of supply while balancing cost, quality, service, and innovation objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic sourcing

Cost optimization

Negotiation

Supplier relationship mgmt

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, Procurement, or related field

CPSM, CPM, CSCP, or CPIM preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Sterling BV, Inc. in San Antonio, TX, seeks a Senior Manager, Category Management to lead direct material sourcing strategies across proteins, dairy, fats, grains, and ingredients, driving cost competitiveness, supply continuity, and supplier performance.

As a partner to Operations, Finance, Quality, and R&D, you will develop procurement governance, coach Category Buyers, and deliver validated savings while aligning strategies with short- and long-term business goals.