Category Manager

As a Category Manager-Direct Materials in Austin Powder’s Procurement Department, you’ll be responsible for building/managing categories strategies and delivering strong results that have significant value to the business. This will include activities such as: developing and leading strategic sourcing events; writing and negotiating contract terms and documents; and analyzing spend associated with specific indirect spend categories.

You will develop sourcing strategies that positively impact bottom-line results/value while minimizing risks, foster internal and external relationships, and work with internal stakeholders to educate and promote the procurement policies. You will report to the Director of Supply Chain & Procurement

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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.