Strategic Category Manager - Direct Components & Hardware

Tarter Gate Company, LLC; Dunnville (KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Tarter Gate Company, LLC in Dunnville, KY, is seeking a seasoned Category Manager for Direct Component & Hardware Procurement. You will develop strategic sourcing plans, lead cost reduction initiatives, manage supplier relationships, and drive total cost of ownership improvements across direct materials.

The role requires strong negotiation, cross-functional collaboration with Operations, Engineering, Quality and Finance, and the ability to optimize supply continuity in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of strategic sourcing, category management, or procurement experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing direct component procurement and hardware categories.
• Proven track record of delivering measurable cost savings and supplier performance improvements.
• Experience with Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) programs.
• Strong contract negotiation and supplier relationship management experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic sourcing plans for assigned direct material categories.
• Lead cost reduction, supplier negotiation, and total cost of ownership initiatives.
• Manage supplier relationships, performance, contracts, and business reviews.
• Lead supplier consolidation and VMI initiatives.
• Analyze spend, market conditions, and supplier performance to identify opportunities.
• Lead RFQ/RFP/RFI processes.
• Support new facilities, equipment, capital projects, and other strategic procurement initiatives.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Category management

Procurement

Negotiation

Vendor Managed Inventory

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

SAP

Oracle

JD Edwards

Microsoft Dynamics

Job description

Tarter Gate Company, LLC in Dunnville, KY, is seeking a seasoned Category Manager for Direct Component & Hardware Procurement. You will develop strategic sourcing plans, lead cost reduction initiatives, manage supplier relationships, and drive total cost of ownership improvements across direct materials.

The role requires strong negotiation, cross-functional collaboration with Operations, Engineering, Quality and Finance, and the ability to optimize supply continuity in a hybrid work environment.