Strategic Direct Materials Category Manager | $100M Spend

Solmax; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Solmax is seeking a Direct Materials Category Manager to own the strategy and commercial performance of roughly $100 million in annual non-resin direct-material spend across the Americas. You will lead category governance, drive supplier awards, and shape risk mitigation within policy, partnering with manufacturing facilities and cross-functional teams.

The role covers finished and semi-finished goods, additives, colorants, packaging, and related materials.

Qualifications

• 8–10 years of strategic sourcing, category management, or procurement leadership experience.
• Experience shaping category strategies and leading high-value direct-material negotiations.
• Proven track record delivering material cost savings through strategic sourcing and negotiations.
• Strong understanding of global trade economics, commodity markets, and cost drivers.
• Ability to operate as an independent business owner with limited oversight.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Executive-level communication to senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Category Management: develop, execute, and refine multi-year category strategies with quantified savings targets and roadmaps tied to business objectives.
• Supplier Management: rationalize the supplier base, introduce competition, and hold suppliers accountable to cost, service, and productivity commitments.
• Negotiation: lead complex, high-impact negotiations for favorable pricing, terms, and service levels, including long-term agreements and cost validation.
• Market Analysis: own supply market intelligence and monitor industry trends, using cost models and benchmarks to inform decisions.
• Cost Optimization: implement cost-reduction initiatives and value engineering programs to improve profitability and competitiveness.
• Risk Management: identify and mitigate supply chain risks to ensure uninterrupted material availability.
• Quality Assurance: collaborate with QA to maintain and improve product quality and compliance with standards.
• Collaboration: partner with production, engineering, R&D, and quality teams to support innovation and efficiency.

Skills

Category Management

Negotiation

Market Analysis

Cost Optimization

Risk Management

Quality Assurance

Collaboration

Excel

Power BI

Tableau

Executive communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Finance, or related field

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

Solmax is seeking a Direct Materials Category Manager to own the strategy and commercial performance of roughly $100 million in annual non-resin direct-material spend across the Americas. You will lead category governance, drive supplier awards, and shape risk mitigation within policy, partnering with manufacturing facilities and cross-functional teams.

The role covers finished and semi-finished goods, additives, colorants, packaging, and related materials.