Category Manager

Job Overview

Are you a strategic sourcing professional who enjoys building supplier partnerships, developing category strategies, and creating value across a manufacturing organization? Do you thrive in roles where you can influence business decisions, improve supplier performance, and drive results through collaboration? If you answered yes … we should talk! ASSA ABLOY is seeking a Category Manager to support procurement and sourcing initiatives across North America.

This position will play a key role in developing and executing category strategies across assigned procurement categories, which may include Door Core, direct materials, indirect spend, services, and other categories as business needs evolve. The role is based 100% on‑site out of our Mesquite, Texas Service Center, Ceco brand in Milan, Tennessee, Curries brand in Mason City, Iowa, or new office in Paramus, New Jersey slated to open this fall.

• Develop and execute category and sourcing strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Analyze spend, market conditions, supplier capabilities, and cost drivers to identify opportunities for value creation and risk reduction.
• Lead supplier sourcing activities, including supplier qualification, RFx processes, proposal evaluation, negotiations, and implementation.
• Evaluate new suppliers, products, materials, and technologies that support innovation and operational performance.
• Negotiate commercial agreements while balancing cost, quality, delivery, risk, and operational requirements.
• Manage supplier relationships, conduct business reviews, and implement performance improvement initiatives.
• Support supply continuity, supplier development, alternative sourcing strategies, and risk mitigation efforts.
• Stay current on market trends, emerging technologies, and industry best practices within assigned categories.
• Promote sourcing discipline, preferred supplier utilization, and compliance with procurement standards and company policies.
• Leverage data analytics, automation, and AI‑enabled tools to improve decision‑making and business outcomes.
• Champion a safe work environment and ensure compliance with company policies, sourcing standards, regulatory requirements, and the ASSA ABLOY Code of Conduct.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Operations Management, Finance, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3+ years of experience in procurement, category management, supply chain, operations, engineering, manufacturing, or a related field.
• Experience managing procurement categories within a manufacturing environment, including direct materials, indirect spend, manufacturing inputs, or services.
• Experience developing sourcing strategies, leading supplier negotiations, and managing supplier performance.
• Strong commercial, analytical, negotiation, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and collaborate effectively across functions and organizational levels.
• Experience working within a multi‑site and/or matrixed manufacturing environment.
• Strong project management and prioritization skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and demonstrated aptitude for leveraging data analytics, automation, and AI‑enabled solutions.
• Ability to travel up to 40%, including domestic and international travel.

• MBA, CPSM, CPM, CSCP, APICS certification, or other relevant business, procurement, or supply chain credentials.

• This position may be staffed at an alternative level within the job family to align with the selected candidate’s skills, experience, and business needs.

AADG, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Minorities/Females/Disabled/Veteran #LI-LB1