Sr. Category Manager
Core
Develop and execute multi-year category management and sourcing strategies for direct materials (PVC, plasticizers, fillers, etc.) to optimize cost, quality, supply assurance, and sustainability.
Role type
Senior Category Manager (Strategic Sourcing)
Builds
Strategic sourcing plans, supplier contracts, and category performance dashboards
Domain
Manufacturing / Chemicals / Direct Materials
Required skills
Strategic sourcing, Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) modeling, contract negotiation, supplier relationship management, market analysis, cross-functional leadership, data-driven decision making
Preferred skills
PVC/chemicals sourcing experience, circular economy initiatives, multi-plant manufacturing environment, commodity risk management, Lean/Six Sigma, professional certification (CPSM/CIPS)
Technologies
SAP, Ariba, Excel
Responsibilities
Develop and execute multi-year category strategies; Lead the full category lifecycle from planning to supplier management; Drive TCO through cost modeling and benchmarking; Negotiate complex supply agreements; Manage supplier performance and KPIs; Analyze market dynamics and mitigate supply risk; Partner with R&D, Quality, and Operations on material qualification and NPI; Advance sustainability objectives through recycled content sourcing; Measure and report category performance; Serve as a trusted advisor to executives.
Seniority
Senior, hands-on IC
