The Senior Category Manager is accountable for delivering measurable business value across a highly complex, global category portfolio. This role leads category strategy, supplier performance, and commercial execution to drive cost savings, mitigate risk, and ensure supply continuity across critical operations.
This position oversees approximately $100M+ in annual spend across 10+ manufacturing plants, managing international supply chains for bituminous polymers, granules, facer, and scrim materials and other various categories
Success in this role is defined by the ability to navigate market volatility, strengthen supplier networks, and deliver consistent financial and operational results while influencing key stakeholders across the organization.
Key Performance Outcomes
1. Category Strategy & Financial Impact
- Develop and execute category strategies that consistently achieve or exceed cost savings targets across a $100M+ spend portfolio
- Actively manage pricing volatility tied to crude oil markets, implementing strategies to protect margins
- Identify and deliver cost reductions, value engineering, and demand optimization opportunities
2. Global Supply Chain & Risk Management
- Ensure reliable supply across several bituminous and ISO manufacturing plants, including critical inputs for the growing GoBoard business
- Mitigate risk by developing alternative sourcing strategies, supplier redundancy, and capacity expansion plans
- Proactively monitor global supply market trends and adjust sourcing strategies to maintain continuity and competitiveness
3. Supplier Performance & Development
- Build and manage high-performing supplier relationships across international markets, including frequent negotiations and performance reviews
- Lead new supplier development initiatives to expand capacity and improve supply resilience
- Drive supplier accountability for quality, delivery, and innovation, while addressing a higher frequency of complex quality-related challenges
4. Commercial Excellence & Contracting
- Negotiate complex agreements that deliver favorable commercial terms, improved working capital, and reduced risk exposure
- Structure contracts that align with both short-term market conditions and long-term strategic goals
- Continuously improve cost structures, payment terms, and service levels
5. Stakeholder Leadership & Influence
- Partner closely with Operations, Functional Leaders, and cross-business teams to align sourcing strategies with business priorities
- Deliver data-driven insights and recommendations that influence decision-making at the business unit level
- Lead and influence matrixed teams to execute high-impact initiatives
6. Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
- Leverage analytics, e-sourcing tools, and ERP systems to drive procurement efficiency and transparency
- Proactively identify and resolve risks related to cost, quality, and supply disruptions
- Implement continuous improvements to category performance and procurement processes
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required
- 8+ years of experience which will include strategic sourcing/procurement
- Experience managing complex, global supply chains and high-spend categories
- CPSM preferred
- Strong track record of delivering quantifiable cost savings and supplier improvements
- Advanced negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management skills
- Knowledge of commodity markets (preferably oil-linked), contract law, and financial analysis
- Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems and e-sourcing tools
- Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and communication skills
- Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders in a matrixed environment
Why You’ll Want This Role
1. Own a High-Impact, High-Visibility Portfolio
Manage a $100M+ global category that directly impacts manufacturing operations, business growth, and profitability—your work will be seen and valued.
2. Solve Complex, Market-Driven Challenges
Operate in a fast-moving environment shaped by global supply dynamics and crude oil volatility, where your decisions directly drive competitive advantage.
3. Play a Key Role in Business Growth
Support critical operations and contribute to the expansion of innovative products like GoBoard, positioning yourself at the center of strategic growth.
4. Shape Supplier Strategy at Scale
Lead international supplier relationships, capacity expansion, and new supplier development, giving you ownership of long-term supply strategy.
5. Career Growth & Advancement
This role is scoped at the Senior Category Manager level with clear potential to expand into broader GP&L leadership responsibilities, offering a strong path for advancement.