Category Manager; Direct Materials

Airswift is partnering with a growing chemical manufacturing organization backed by private equity to identify a Direct Materials Category Manager to join its Supply Chain team in Houston, TX
.

This position will play a critical role in developing and executing sourcing strategies for direct materials, specialty chemicals, and commodity-based raw materials supporting manufacturing operations. Reporting directly to the Supply Chain Director, the successful candidate will manage supplier relationships, negotiate commercial agreements, develop category strategies, and drive cost, quality, and supply continuity across a diverse portfolio of materials.

• Develop and execute sourcing and category management strategies for direct materials, specialty chemicals, and commodity-based raw materials.
• Lead supplier negotiations, RFQs, contract development, and commercial agreement management.
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify new suppliers to strengthen the supply base and mitigate risk.
• Perform market analysis, spend analysis, and cost modeling to support sourcing decisions and pricing strategies.
• Monitor raw material, petrochemical, and energy market trends to identify opportunities and risks.
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Manufacturing, Engineering, Finance, and Quality teams to align procurement strategies with business objectives.
• Drive supplier performance management initiatives focused on cost, quality, service, and delivery metrics.
• Maintain pricing, contracts, and procurement data within company systems and ensure compliance with procurement policies and processes.
• Leverage procurement technologies and analytics tools to improve visibility, decision-making, and sourcing effectiveness.

• 5+ years of experience in category management, strategic sourcing, procurement, or commercial roles supporting direct materials within chemical, petrochemical, specialty chemical, polymer, or industrial chemical manufacturing environments.
• Experience sourcing direct materials, raw materials, specialty chemicals, commodities, feed stocks, or related products.
• Strong commercial acumen with demonstrated success negotiating contracts, pricing agreements, and supplier relationships.
• Knowledge of chemical manufacturing, petrochemical markets, or commodity-driven supply chains.
• Experience developing category strategies and delivering cost savings initiatives.
• Strong analytical skills with experience utilizing procurement and business intelligence tools.
• Experience with SAP, Tableau, Power BI, Coupa, or similar systems is highly preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment and quickly adapt to new technologies and tools, including AI-enabled solutions.

• Opportunity to join a growing chemical manufacturing organization at a transformational stage of its evolution.
• Direct visibility to Supply Chain leadership with significant influence on sourcing strategy and supplier decisions.
• Ownership of critical direct material categories that directly impact manufacturing performance and profitability.
• Exposure to complex commodity and specialty chemical markets.
• Collaborative environment offering strong mentorship and future growth opportunities as the organization expands.
• Hybrid work schedule based in Houston, TX (3 days onsite / 2 days remote).

If you have experience in chemical industry procurement, category management, strategic sourcing, or commercial negotiations and are interested in joining a growing organization where you can make an immediate impact, I'd be happy to discuss this opportunity confidentially.