Category Lead

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company • Akron, OH

8d

About The Position

The Category Lead develops and executes sourcing strategies across multiple commodities and serves as the procurement operational lead for the region. The role uses market intelligence, cost modeling, and financial analysis to develop negotiation strategies and lead or support supplier contract negotiations. It builds strategic supplier relationships focused on total cost of ownership, supply-chain advantages, innovation, and continuous improvement. The Category Lead also collaborates with cross-functional stakeholders and category teams to align business priorities and strengthen procurement capabilities.

The role drives strategic sourcing initiatives aligned with category and business objectives, strengthens supplier partnerships, and uses analysis to support negotiation strategies and business decisions. It contributes to Commercial Council priorities and goals, applies the 7-Step Strategic Sourcing Process and enhanced sourcing tools, and provides informal leadership and guidance to Procurement Specialists.

The typical schedule is 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with a 5% travel requirement. Relocation and sponsorship are not available.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in Procurement, Supply Chain, or a related operational function.

Nice To Haves

• A master’s degree in a related discipline.
• Strategic sourcing experience.
• Experience within a related industry.
• International experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies across assigned commodities in alignment with the overall category strategy.
• Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships focused on total cost of ownership, supply-chain advantages, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Use market intelligence, cost modeling, and financial analysis to develop negotiation strategies and support business decisions.
• Lead or support supplier contract negotiations.
• Build cross-functional relationships and effective channels for market intelligence to strengthen organizational and operational excellence.
• Partner with key stakeholders and contribute to Commercial Council priorities and goals.
• Apply the 7-Step Strategic Sourcing Process and enhanced sourcing tools to support procurement decisions and execution.
• Collaborate with Category team peers and leaders.
• Provide informal leadership and guidance to Procurement Specialists.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level