Category Manager

Your Opportunity is Here with HSM • Hickory, NC

5h

About The Position

Founded in 1944, HSM is a third generation, privately held company with a rich history of innovation and a commitment to our people. With 25 locations across the U.S. and corporate headquarters in Hickory, NC and Huntersville, NC, we specialize in manufacturing components for furniture, bedding, transportation, packaging, automotive, and healthcare industries. Our expertise also includes designing and building automated production machinery. HSM products from sofa springs to swimming pool noodles and bus seats, touch everyday life in countless ways. At HSM, our success is built on our people. We foster a culture of teamwork, innovation, and shared success. If you’re looking for a meaningful place to grow and make an impact, we want to hear from you!
What You Will Do
Lead Strategic Sourcing
Develop and execute sourcing strategies for direct materials used across multiple manufacturing sites, ensuring cost competitiveness and supply continuity.
Drive Cost & Category Optimization
Identify cost savings through supplier negotiations, material standardization, and total landed cost analysis that considers tariffs, freight, and inventory carrying costs.
Strengthen Supplier Partnerships
Build collaborative relationships with suppliers, conduct performance reviews, and lead improvement initiatives that enhance reliability and service levels.
Support New Product Launches
Partner with engineering, operations, and R&D teams to ensure materials, suppliers, and cost structures support new product introductions and meet required quality standards.
Improve Planning & Inventory Strategy
Guide forecasting, order planning, and stocking strategies that balance cost, lead time, and manufacturing needs across the business.
Manage Risk in a Global Supply Chain
Develop dual sourcing strategies, long-term supply agreements, and contingency plans to protect production from disruptions and market volatility.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in sourcing, category management, or supply chain within manufacturing
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems such as SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or similar
• Strong negotiation, vendor management, and data analysis skills
• Ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, operations, and finance teams
• A continuous improvement mindset with strong problem-solving abilities
• Must have the ability to travel up to 35% to support site operations across the company.

Nice To Haves

• Experience sourcing textiles, vinyl, or automotive/transportation materials
• Knowledge of PPAP/APQP processes and quality systems like IATF 16949 or ISO 9001
• Experience supporting multi-site manufacturing environments

Responsibilities

• Lead Strategic Sourcing
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for direct materials used across multiple manufacturing sites, ensuring cost competitiveness and supply continuity.
• Drive Cost & Category Optimization
• Identify cost savings through supplier negotiations, material standardization, and total landed cost analysis that considers tariffs, freight, and inventory carrying costs.
• Strengthen Supplier Partnerships
• Build collaborative relationships with suppliers, conduct performance reviews, and lead improvement initiatives that enhance reliability and service levels.
• Support New Product Launches
• Partner with engineering, operations, and R&D teams to ensure materials, suppliers, and cost structures support new product introductions and meet required quality standards.
• Improve Planning & Inventory Strategy
• Guide forecasting, order planning, and stocking strategies that balance cost, lead time, and manufacturing needs across the business.
• Manage Risk in a Global Supply Chain
• Develop dual sourcing strategies, long-term supply agreements, and contingency plans to protect production from disruptions and market volatility.

Benefits

• Health & Wellness : Affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, including an innovative global healthcare option for qualified participants.
• Retire : 401(k) with company match, fully vested from day one.
• Paid Time Off : Competitive PTO: 3 Weeks of Vacation + 9 company paid holidays.
• On-Site Medical Clinics : Free for you and covered dependents.
• Teladoc : 24/7 access with no copay.
• Professional Development : Tuition reimbursement, professional development assistance and career growth opportunities.
• Discounts : Enjoy discounts with HSM partners, including Dollywood Parks & Resort, Verizon Wireless, and more.

What This Job Offers

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