Supply Chain: Category Manager

Category Manager (Supply Chain)

Position within the Strategic Sourcing team responsible for developing and executing category management strategies that align with Nature’s Way’s business goals.

Hybrid work model; office-based near Green Bay, WI.

Minimum 2 years experience in Category & Sourcing within a Supply Chain setting. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; no sponsorship available.

• Develop sourcing strategies and execute supplier negotiation strategies.
• Identify and develop strategic partners to provide additional resources, innovation, and a competitive edge.
• Develop & execute category management strategies aligned with current and future market conditions to drive front‑line value, improve total cost of ownership, reduce supply disruption risk, and increase supply chain agility.
• Present category management strategies to department heads and senior leadership; build effective working relationships to foster collaboration and trust.
• Manage the RFP process: prepare requests, select participants, evaluate proposals, negotiate contracts and prices, and award business based on Total Cost of Ownership analyses.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Sales, Marketing, Product Development, and QA to support new product development; maintain ownership of supplier relationships throughout projects.
• Lead supplier business meetings with strategic partners to drive business value; involve functional partners to resolve issues and sustain supplier development.
• Develop and manage supplier relationships to deliver reliable product supply and cost effectiveness while meeting customer service, compliance, product requirements, and key performance metrics. Negotiate supply agreements and define supplier performance metrics.
• Manage supplier performance with monthly scorecards, provide feedback, identify issues, and develop risk mitigation plans as part of the Supplier Risk Mitigation Program.
• Provide subject matter expertise for assigned categories, staying current on industry, competitive landscape, suppliers, price volatility, emerging markets, and future technologies/innovations.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional areas (Quality, Manufacturing, Regulatory, Inventory, Product Development, Technical Manufacturing, and Marketing) to ensure alignment of strategic sourcing objectives.
• Develop market intelligence within assigned categories, including supply/demand, cost drivers, material indexes, benchmarks, mergers & acquisitions, and potential hedging opportunities.

Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Operations Management, or related field. Minimum five years of related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills
• Supplier negotiating and contract management skills
• Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams in resolving product supply issues, executing supply agreements, and delivering cost improvement projects
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and business acumen skills
• Strategic thinking skills
• Project management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• ISM or ASCM certification desired
• Experience with cGMP regulations and dietary supplement/pharmaceutical supply chain preferred

• Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): baseline and target
• Supplier performance via Supplier Management Program scorecards
• Customer Order Fill Rates
• Risk Management
• New products launched
• Inventory turns

All benefits are effective on day one of employment.

• Medical:
  Option to select a PPO plan or one of 2 high‑deductible medical plans with company contribution to a personal health savings account.
• Dental:
  Delta Dental PPO with option for an enhanced plan.
• Vision:
  Routine preventative coverage under medical plan and optional voluntary coverage.
• Time Off: 11 holidays per year plus paid time off starting at a minimum of two weeks.
• 401(k) Plan:
  Company match up to 4% (if employees contribute at least 6%), plus profit‑sharing if company meets annual targets.
• Short‑term & long‑term disability insurance
• Life and AD&D insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Voluntary critical illness & accident coverage
• New parent phase‑in program & paternity leave
• Educational assistance reimbursement
• Product discounts and wellness program
• Free fitness center access

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.