Category Manager

Job Title:

Commodity/Category Manager Job Description The Commodity Manager develops, deploys, and executes global commodity strategies that align with overall business and purchasing objectives. This role ensures optimal total cost, high quality, and reliable supply continuity for externally sourced production materials in a manufacturing environment. The Commodity Manager partners closely with engineering, operations, finance, and regional purchasing teams to drive strategic sourcing, supplier performance, and productivity improvements across regions, while reporting into a global category function in a rapidly growing organization. Responsibilities Develop and implement global commodity and category strategies that support business goals, purchasing objectives, and regional requirements. Lead strategic sourcing initiatives, including supplier identification, evaluation, selection, and onboarding for externally sourced production materials. Drive supplier negotiations to achieve optimal total cost, quality, delivery performance, and supply continuity. Execute and manage supplier contracts, ensuring appropriate legal terms and conditions are in place and consistently applied globally. Build, maintain, and apply cost models and should-cost analyses to support data-driven sourcing decisions and cost optimization. Manage supplier relationships, including performance reviews, issue resolution, and continuous improvement initiatives. Identify and mitigate supply risks, including capacity constraints, quality issues, and geopolitical or market-related disruptions. Collaborate with engineering, operations, finance, and regional purchasing teams to align commodity strategies with product and manufacturing needs. Support and track global and regional productivity initiatives, including cost savings, value engineering, and process improvements. Analyze spend, market trends, and supplier performance using advanced analytics and reporting tools to inform strategic decisions. Prepare and deliver clear, executive-level presentations and reports on strategy, performance, risks, and opportunities. Ensure consistent deployment of commodity strategies and best practices across regions in a matrixed, global organization. Contribute to cross-functional projects and initiatives that enhance supply chain resilience, quality, and efficiency. Foster effective team collaboration and contribute to the development of procurement and commodity management capabilities within the organization. Essential Skills Bachelor's degree. 5+ years of experience in commodity management, category management, or a closely related procurement role with global responsibility. Experience supporting a manufacturing environment. Proven ability to develop and execute global commodity and category strategies. Strong procurement and purchasing expertise, including strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations. Hands-on experience with commodity management and purchase order processes. Experience executing supplier contracts with appropriate legal terms and conditions. Demonstrated ability to build and apply cost models and should-cost analyses. Strong business and financial acumen, with the ability to interpret and act on financial and market data. Advanced Excel skills for analytics and modeling. Proficiency in PowerPoint for presentations and executive reporting. Experience working with ERP systems and database/query tools. Strong English verbal and written communication skills. Ability to make data-driven decisions and leverage analytics for strategy and performance management. Additional Skills & Qualifications Automotive industry experience is a strong plus. Experience in supplier relationship management and risk mitigation in a global context. Background in contract execution and ongoing contract management. Experience in productivity tracking, cost savings reporting, and performance dashboards. Ability to align and influence cross-functional stakeholders at regional and global levels. Strong skills in communication and executive-level presentation. Proven team collaboration skills and interest in contributing to talent and capability development within procurement and supply chain teams. Job Type & Location This is a Permanent position based out of Troy, MI. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $120000.00/yr. Full benefits offered Med, Vision, and dental Holiday and PTO package Hybrid work flexibility. Workplace Type This is a hybrid position in Troy,MI. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 4, 2026.

About Aston Carter:

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.