Category Manager

Gerdau•Midlothian, TX

About The Position

Gerdau is seeking a Category Manager I to support global sourcing initiatives and strategic procurement activities across multiple steel mills and recycling operations. The role leads sourcing strategies, supplier negotiations, competitive bidding, and contract management to affect cost savings, operational performance, and supply chain effectiveness. It is suited to someone with global sourcing and category management experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment who can negotiate complex agreements and influence procurement decisions across a large industrial organization.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field.
6 to 10 years of procurement, strategic sourcing, or category management experience.
3 to 6 years of Best Cost Country (BCC) or global sourcing experience.
Strong written and verbal communication skills in both English and Mandarin.
Experience in an industrial, manufacturing, metals, mining, or heavy industrial environment.
Experience developing sourcing strategies and leading supplier negotiations.
Strong background in category management, contract management, project management, and strategic planning.
Experience leading cross-functional teams and influencing stakeholders across multiple functions.
Knowledge of contemporary procurement practices and sourcing methodologies.
Experience using SAP and Microsoft Office applications.
Strong assessment, communication, and relationship-building skills.

Nice To Haves

Professional certification such as CPSM, C.P.M., CSCP, or a related Supply Chain/Procurement certification.
Experience developing market intelligence related to economic, geopolitical, environmental, and supply chain trends.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute procurement and sourcing strategies for assigned categories at global, national, and regional levels.
Lead competitive bid processes, supplier evaluations, and contract negotiations to secure overall value for the business.
Build and maintain supplier relationships while driving supplier performance, cost reduction, and continuous improvement.
Analyze market trends, supplier capabilities, logistics considerations, and business intelligence to support sourcing decisions.
Partner with operations, engineering, maintenance, and other stakeholders to understand needs and develop supply solutions.
Support Best Cost Country (BCC) sourcing initiatives and capital project procurement activities.
Coordinate and lead cross-functional teams through supplier selection, sourcing projects, and procurement initiatives.
Manage commercial procurement activities, including purchase order support and contract administration.
Monitor supplier performance, risk factors, cost drivers, financial stability, and market conditions to strengthen supply chain resilience.
Identify opportunities to reduce total cost of ownership through supplier partnerships and continuous improvement.
Assist with developing procurement policies, procedures, and training programs.
Ensure sourcing activities comply with company procurement standards, ethical business practices, and compliance requirements.