Category Manager

Latham, The Pool Company

About The Position

The Category Manager develops and executes strategic sourcing and category management strategies to optimize cost, quality, service, innovation, and supply continuity across assigned spend categories. This role is the primary commercial lead for supplier relationship management, contract negotiations, CAPEX spend, cost forecasting, competitive sourcing initiatives, and supply risk mitigation. The Category Manager works closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Engineering, Finance, Quality, Sales, and Product Management to align procurement strategies with business objectives while supporting operational performance and profitability.

Requirements

5+ years of Category Management, Strategic Sourcing, CAPEX Procurement, or Supply Chain experience.
Strong negotiation, contract creation and management, supplier management, forecasting, and analytical skills.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
Manufacturing experience preferred.
APICS, ASCM, CPSM, or CPM certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute category strategies for indirect spending, CAPEX, packaging, services, and raw material supply.
Analyze spend, market conditions, supplier capabilities, and business requirements to identify savings and value opportunities.
Monitor commodity indices, market trends, and economic factors affecting category performance.
Lead RFQs, RFPs, competitive bidding events, and supplier selection processes.
Negotiate pricing, payment terms, lead times, inventory strategies, and service levels.
Drive annual cost-reduction initiatives and total cost of ownership improvements.
Develop strategic relationships with key suppliers.
Conduct supplier business reviews and performance evaluations.
Resolve supplier performance issues and implement corrective actions.
Develop budgets and spending forecasts for assigned categories.
Provide leadership with updates on market conditions and pricing trends.
Perform cost modeling and financial analysis to support sourcing decisions.
Lead contract negotiations and supplier agreement management.
Monitor contract compliance and renewal schedules.
Lead cross-functional sourcing and procurement projects.
Support new product introductions, supplier transitions, and cost-improvement projects.
Develop contingency plans and alternative sourcing strategies.
Monitor supplier financial health and supply chain risks.