Category Manager-Direct Materials

Austin Powder•Beachwood, OH

About The Position

As a Category Manager-Direct Materials in Austin Powder’s Procurement Department, you will build and manage category strategies and deliver results that create significant value for the business. The role includes leading strategic sourcing events, writing and negotiating contract terms and documents, and analyzing spend across assigned categories. You will develop sourcing strategies that improve bottom-line results while minimizing risk, build internal and external relationships, and help stakeholders understand and follow procurement policies. The position reports to the Director of Supply Chain & Procurement. The selected candidate will own projects and drive them to completion, with results that have a strong impact on departmental objectives. The role may involve managing a team of site buyers and/or procurement specialists directly or through a dotted-line relationship. Work is performed in an office setting and includes extended periods of sitting and computer use, as well as walking and standing during office hours.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
At least 7 years of experience in strategic sourcing in a manufacturing environment, with exposure to commodity chemicals, additives, packaging, and component parts.
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement category strategies, lead sourcing projects, negotiate and author contracts, and drive savings and value.
Strong relationship-building, verbal and written communication, interpersonal, motivational, and influencing skills; ability to coordinate across related disciplines and with key stakeholders.
Ability to coordinate across business units and share critical information; strength in explaining complex concepts and coaching individuals through complex decisions.
Experience coordinating teams, collecting insights, and constructively challenging conventional thinking among internal stakeholders.
Deep understanding of multistep strategic sourcing processes, sourcing tools, and strategies.
Organized and adaptable, with demonstrated ability to prioritize projects, meet deadlines, and deliver results.
Progressive career experience with increasing responsibilities, including leading project teams and resources.
Comfort with organizational change and ability to thrive in a rapidly changing business environment.

Nice To Haves

MBA desired.

Responsibilities

Provide thought leadership in developing advanced category strategies and help identify and manage critical and preferred supplier relationships.
Manage a team of site buyers and/or procurement specialists, directly or through a dotted-line relationship.
Manage supplier performance and relationships to ensure organizational expectations are met.
Build and promote relationships with internal functions; regularly discuss processes, policies, and the benefits of the Strategic Sourcing & Procurement organization.
Lead cost savings, supply security, and strategic initiatives for raw materials, packaging, other components, and related subcategories; build sourcing strategies, drive strategic improvements, and deliver operational targets, savings goals, and business strategies.
Drive multiple sourcing projects simultaneously and provide regular updates to internal stakeholders and leaders.
Use sourcing tools to help continually refine and improve sourcing and procurement processes, policies, and tools.
Conduct total cost modeling and sensitivity or scenario analyses to help stakeholders understand the trade-offs and benefits of possible outcomes.
Assist with analysis and planning for indirect-spend categories to support operational success and results.
Review categories on an ongoing basis to inform future strategies and activities.
Partner with corporate functions such as Financial Planning & Analysis, Accounting, and Legal on sourcing projects and related activities.
Take ownership of projects and drive them to completion.