Category Manager (Purchasing)

Category Manager

To be considered, candidates must reside within a commutable distance to Maryville or state in their cover letter or resume that they are willing and able to relocate to Maryville or surrounding areas. Position is 100% in-office/non-remote.

Scope of the Role:

Could manage either the purchased parts, raw material, MRO categories, OR possibly a combination of two or more categories. Focus on program delivery, long range strategic planning and continuous improvement. Capitalize on past change-management success to focus on applying transformational leadership to the procurement process, exhibiting excellent analytical, program management and process skills. Be forward-thinking, flexible in the handling of dynamic business demands, and strive for excellence, while managing procurement across multiple divisions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Will oversee the daily tasks of the Category Supply Team
• Lead strategic procurement activities for category, with the goal of achieving optimum inventory and service levels
• Ensure execution of category strategies and accountable for implementation of all global cost optimization initiatives
• Accountable for meeting category targets and fulfilling operating company requirements
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies for assigned categories;
• Analyze market and delivery conditions to determine present and future material availability/price, prepare market analysis reports
• Plan, organize, direct and control activities related to category of spend managed
• Oversee all activities related to procurement of a material, from intent to purchase through delivery
• Prepare and review contracts, bids, proposals, and vendor agreements for legal correctness, and price
• Prepare and issue purchase contracts and change notices
• Monitor performances of vendors and compliance with guidelines
• Review and resolve vendor claims and contracts for conformance to company policy
• Track performance in each spend category
• Maintain suppliers that provide high quality products and services at a better price while maintaining highest code of ethics and conduct
• Negotiate complex requests for materials; develop and execute risk management strategies
• Develop and utilize system to evaluate vendor quotations with appropriate negotiation and purchasing techniques to ensure quality, price, delivery and service
• Measure and produce daily backorder results and communicate to internal customers at least weekly. This works in conjunction with the daily backorder dashboard.
• Work with global category team to ensure achievement of category strategy; interact with regional category experts across functions
• Lead and develop a cohesive team
• Work safely and report work related incidents immediately
• Other duties as assigned

NOTE: This list presents only the principal duties of the position and is not intended to be comprehensive. The duties and responsibilities listed above may be changed or supplemented at any time in accordance with business needs and conditions.

Education and Experience:

• BS/BA degree in Business/Supply Chain Management or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum 3-6 years related purchasing experience with impressive track record of continuous improvements in purchasing
• Experience in leveraging vendor relationships and achieving cost savings from strategic cost reduction programs
• Experience creating a state-of-the-art procurement operation and/or leading transformational initiatives
• Demonstrate a proven track record of developing and managing a procurement program from conception to deployment
• Experience with financial analysis and cost containment strategies
• Strong influence / negotiation, and presentation skills
• Ability to sell concepts and ideas to a diverse range of end users
• Very strong analytical skills, strong judgment and problem analysis techniques
• Strong interpersonal skills; must be able to lead and work successfully on a team
• Must be collaborative, able to foster an environment of open communication and team work
• Organized and capable of planning and carrying out multiple related activities
• Must have strong command of the English language, both verbal and written communications
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, SAP (ERP System), Planning Edge or Demand Planning/Forecast Systems

Competencies and Skills:

• SAP system
• PO management
• Procurement process
• Compliance
• MRP understanding
• Relationship management
• Inventory management
• Quote analysis
• Cost savings and understanding
• Decision making and recommendations
• Project management
• Negotiation
• Presentation skills
• Cross functional communication
• Problem solving
• Conflict resolution
• Leadership
• Global vendor base experience
• Spend analysis
• Ability to work as a team and develop a team

Physical Demands:

• Regular and predictable attendance is required
• Some overtime required for work demands
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time in front of a computer
• Visual and acuity
• Travel up to 5% may be required

NOTE: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment and Personal Protective Equipment:

General office environment, with some exposure to plant environment, with fork lift and other general hazards.

Updated: 6/17/2025