Category Manager (Purchasing) – Maryville, TN Position Available In Blount, Tennessee

Category Manager (Purchasing) – Maryville, TN Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. United States, Tennessee, Maryville 333 East Broadway Avenue (Show on map) Jun 18, 2025 Back
Category Manager (Purchasing)
#

SWI-7250

Maryville, Tennessee, United States
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Requisition Number

SWI-7250

Location City
Maryville
Location State
Tennessee
FT / PT
Full-time
Shift Schedule
1st shift: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (M-F)
Description Category Manager To be considered, candidates must reside within a commutable distance to Maryville or state in their cover letter or resume that they are willing and able to relocate to Maryville or surrounding areas. Position is 100% in-office/non-remote. Scope of the

Role:

Could manage either the purchased parts, raw material, MRO categories, OR possibly a combination of two or more categories. Focus on program delivery, long range strategic planning and continuous improvement. Capitalize on past change-management success to focus on applying transformational leadership to the procurement process, exhibiting excellent analytical, program management and process skills. Be forward-thinking, flexible in the handling of dynamic business demands, and strive for excellence, while managing procurement across multiple divisions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Will oversee the daily tasks of the Category Supply Team
Lead strategic procurement activities for category, with the goal of achieving optimum inventory and service levels
Ensure execution of category strategies and accountable for implementation of all global cost optimization initiatives
Accountable for meeting category targets and fulfilling operating company requirements
Develop and implement sourcing strategies for assigned categories;
Analyze market and delivery conditions to determine present and future material availability/price, prepare market analysis reports
Plan, organize, direct and control activities related to category of spend managed
Oversee all activities related to procurement of a material, from intent to purchase through delivery
Prepare and review contracts, bids, proposals, and vendor agreements for legal correctness, and price
Prepare and issue purchase contracts and change notices
Monitor performances of vendors and compliance with guidelines
Review and resolve vendor claims and contracts for conformance to company policy
Track performance in each spend category
Maintain suppliers that provide high quality products and services at a better price while maintaining highest code of ethics and conduct
Negotiate complex requests for materials; develop and execute risk management strategies
Develop and utilize system to evaluate vendor quotations with appropriate negotiation and purchasing techniques to ensure quality, price, delivery and service
Measure and produce daily backorder results and communicate to internal customers at least weekly. This works in conjunction with the daily backorder dashboard.
Work with global category team to ensure achievement of category strategy; interact with regional category experts across functions
Lead and develop a cohesive team
Work safely and report work related incidents immediately
Other duties as assigned

NOTE:

This list presents only the principal duties of the position and is not intended to be comprehensive. The duties and responsibilities listed above may be changed or supplemented at any time in accordance with business needs and conditions.

Education and Experience:

BS/BA degree in Business/Supply Chain Management or equivalent work experience required
Minimum 3-6 years related purchasing experience with impressive track record of continuous improvements in purchasing
Experience in leveraging vendor relationships and achieving cost savings from strategic cost reduction programs
Experience creating a state-of-the-art procurement operation and/or leading transformational initiatives
Demonstrate a proven track record of developing and managing a procurement program from conception to deployment
Experience with financial analysis and cost containment strategies
Strong influence / negotiation, and presentation skills
Ability to sell concepts and ideas to a diverse range of end users
Very strong analytical skills, strong judgment and problem analysis techniques
Strong interpersonal skills; must be able to lead and work successfully on a team
Must be collaborative, able to foster an environment of open communication and team work
Organized and capable of planning and carrying out multiple related activities
Must have strong command of the English language, both verbal and written communications
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, SAP (ERP System),

Planning Edge or Demand Planning/Forecast Systems Competencies and Skills:

SAP system
PO management
Procurement process
Compliance
MRP understanding
Relationship management
Inventory management
Quote analysis
Cost savings and understanding
Decision making and recommendations
Project management
Negotiation
Presentation skills
Cross functional communication
Problem solving
Conflict resolution
Leadership
Global vendor base experience
Spend analysis
Ability to work as a team and develop a team

Physical Demands:

Regular and predictable attendance is required
Some overtime required for work demands
Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time in front of a computer
Visual and acuity
Travel up to 5% may be required

NOTE:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment and Personal Protective Equipment:

General office environment, with some exposure to plant environment, with fork lift and other general hazards.

Updated:

6/17/2025