Strategic Direct Materials Category Manager

Austin Powder; Kentucky; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Austin Powder is seeking a Category Manager-Direct Materials to build and manage category strategies within the Procurement Department. You will lead strategic sourcing events, negotiate contract terms, and analyze spend across indirect categories to deliver value and reduce risk.

You will develop supplier relationships, manage a team of site buyers or procurement specialists, and collaborate with internal stakeholders to promote procurement policies and drive savings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required; MBA is desired.
• 7+ years of experience in Strategic Sourcing in a manufacturing environment with exposure to commodity chemicals, additives, packaging, and component parts.
• Experience leading project teams and resources and driving savings/value.

Responsibilities

• Develop category strategies and lead strategic sourcing events.
• Write and negotiate contract terms and documents; analyze spend across indirect spend categories.
• Manage supplier relationships and performance to meet expectations.
• Drive cost savings, supply security, and strategic initiatives across materials and sub-categories.
• Lead multiple sourcing projects and provide regular updates to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Financial Planning & Analysis, Accounting, Legal, and other functions.

Skills

Relationship-building

Communication

Stakeholder coordination

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree

MBA

Job description

Austin Powder is seeking a Category Manager-Direct Materials to build and manage category strategies within the Procurement Department. You will lead strategic sourcing events, negotiate contract terms, and analyze spend across indirect categories to deliver value and reduce risk.

You will develop supplier relationships, manage a team of site buyers or procurement specialists, and collaborate with internal stakeholders to promote procurement policies and drive savings.