Category Manager

About Poet

At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as possible. For over thirty-five years, our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products in the world.

We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s the way we do things  provide an environment for team members to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s the best way to optimize health, wellness, and productivity in a sustainable way. We work hard. We play hard.

We have frequent team events, volunteer efforts, and we know how to celebrate wins!

As a Category Manager, you will be responsible for the strategic approach to sourcing assigned products for POET Bioprocessing and POET Design & Construction. You will manage vendor relationships, negotiate the best value for POET, perform strategic analysis and be responsible for decision‑making. You will become highly knowledgeable in your categories and ensure appropriate risk management through thorough execution. The Category Manager’s role is to provide as much value to POET through negotiation, strategic development, and critical thinking as possible.

This is an on‑site role located in Sioux Falls, SD.

Responsibilities include:

• Fostering relationships with strategic suppliers to create innovative and collaborative partnerships.
• Drives long‑term strategies to generate supply chain improvements and efficiencies.
• Support strategies and processes to maintain optimum inventory levels that serve the production process.
• Leads, negotiates and administers contracts with suppliers, vendors, and other representatives to drive best value.
• Evaluates and monitors contract performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
• Supports and maintains risk management strategies.
• Researches and evaluates suppliers based on factors including, but not limited to, cost, service, quality, ability to supply, and innovation.
• Maintains a continuous improvement mindset.
• Developing strong relationships with key stakeholders and clearly understanding their priorities.
• Continuously striving for better service and greater value for our stakeholders.
• May have a small team of direct reports or be an individual contributor that leads through influence.
• Partners with other procurement team members to ensure accurate and timely delivery with excellent customer service to our stakeholders across the organization.
• Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skills may be put to a lot of other uses!

• Degree in business or technical field and 2+ years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience negotiating and managing contracts.
• Demonstrated leadership, negotiation, and relationship‑building skills.
• Comfortable presenting in front of a room of business leaders.

• Ability to navigate ambiguity and prioritize effectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills, possessing a high degree of professionalism and customer service.
• Strong strategic and analytical skills to include complex analysis.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, decision‑making, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills as well as the ability to adapt to change.
• Positive, Honest, and Concise.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic and changing environment.
• Eager to learn and change the world.

• Up to 20% travel required which may include vendor visits, continuing education, and conferences.
• This position operates in an office environment, working at a personal computer where you may sit or stand. Most of our Sioux Falls office workspace consists of an open‑concept design intended to promote open communication and collaboration.

At POET, we encourage internal development and growth by allowing team members to carve their own path to success. Leaders…