Strategic Category Manager — Mining & Industrial Sourcing

Oil-Dri Corporation; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

401(k) match

Parental leave

Paid time off & holidays

Gym reimbursement

Health & dental coverage

Job summary

Oil-Dri Corporation seeks a Category Manager to lead strategic sourcing for assigned spend areas, negotiating contracts and optimizing total cost of ownership. The role partners with Operations, Planning, Quality, Engineering, and Finance to ensure cost, quality, and supply reliability.

The position is based at an active mine site with daily onsite presence; travel and onsite navigation are required. Strong analytical and cross-functional leadership skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of progressive procurement/sourcing experience
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in related field preferred; certifications encouraged

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies and sourcing plans.
• Lead strategic sourcing activities including RFIs/RFPs and negotiations.
• Manage supplier relationships and performance; monitor KPIs and cost savings.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction, standardization, and supply continuity.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Category management

Supplier relationships

Contract negotiation

Cost analysis

Spend analysis

Risk management

Cross-functional leadership

Excel & PowerPoint

ERP/procurement systems

Influence without authority

Problem solving

Financial acumen

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain or related field

CPSM, CPIM, CSCP or equivalent certification preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Oil-Dri Corporation seeks a Category Manager to lead strategic sourcing for assigned spend areas, negotiating contracts and optimizing total cost of ownership. The role partners with Operations, Planning, Quality, Engineering, and Finance to ensure cost, quality, and supply reliability.

The position is based at an active mine site with daily onsite presence; travel and onsite navigation are required. Strong analytical and cross-functional leadership skills are essential.