Category Manager-Direct Materials Austin Powder United States, Ohio, Beachwood Jul 20, 2026 Join the Family - Come work for an exciting company offering great benefits, challenging opportunities, and colleagues who feel more like family. Roles & Responsibilities Provide thought leadership in developing advanced category strategies and assist in identifying & managing "critical" and/or "preferred" supplier relationships
Manage directly or via dotted line a team of site buyers and/or procurement specialists.
Manage supplier performance and relationships to ensure the organization's expectations are met
Develop, foster and promote relationships with internal functions; routinely discuss processes, policies, and benefits derived through the Strategic Sourcing & Procurement organization
Lead cost savings, supply security, and strategic initiatives for raw materials, packaging, other components along with other sub-categories, including building successful sourcing strategies, driving strategic improvements, and delivering on operational targets, savings goals, and business strategies
Drive and manage multiple sourcing projects simultaneously while providing your internal stakeholders and leaders with regular updates
Utilize sourcing tools to assist in departmental efforts to continually refine and improve sourcing and procurement processes, policies, and tools
Conduct total cost modeling and sensitivity/scenario analysis to help stakeholders understand the trade-offs and benefits of various outcome.
Assist with the analysis and planning for various components of indirect spend categories to ensure operational success and results
Conducting ongoing reviews of categories to inform future category strategies and activities
Partner with multiple corporate functions (e.g., Financial Planning & Analysis, Accounting, Legal, etc.) as part of your sourcing projects and related activities
The selected candidate will take ownership of projects and drive them to completion understanding that the results will have a strong impact on the department's objectives Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree is required, MBA is desired
7+ years of experience in Strategic Sourcing in a manufacturing environment with exposure to commodity chemicals, additives, packaging, and component parts
Demonstrated capabilities of developing/implementing category strategies, leading sourcing projects, contract negotiations and authoring, and driving savings/value Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong relationship-building, verbal and written communication, interpersonal, motivational, and influencing skills; coordination across related disciplines and with key stakeholder
Capable of coordinating across business units and sharing critical information, with particular strength in explaining complex concepts and coaching individuals through complex decision-making
Experience coordinating teams, collecting insights, and constructively challenge internal stakeholders with conventional thinking
Deep Understanding of multi-step strategic sourcing processes, sourcing tools, and strategies
Organized and adaptable with demonstrated ability to prioritize projects, meet deadlines, and deliver results
Demonstrated progression in career with increasing responsibilities, including experience leading project teams and resources
Comfortable with organizational change; able to thrive in a rapidly changing business environment Work Environment and Physical Demands Physical demands include sitting for extended periods of time while frequently typing, viewing computer screens and use of mouse/keyboard.
Operation of office equipment to include but not limited to telephones, printers, copiers, and scanners.
Repetitive motion of data entry, hand, finger wrist motion and dexterity.
May include filing and handling paperwork may involve reaching, grasping, or bending.
Light lifting and carrying of office supplies, files, or boxes (generally under 25 lbs.).
Will require walking and standing during the office hours.
Good vision for reading and screen use.
Clear verbal communication and active listening, often over the phone or video calls. Austin Powder is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Austin Powder also participates in E-Verify. This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and for inquiring about, discussing or disclosing compensation. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.