Category Manager (Direct Materials)

Overview

As a senior Direct Materials Category Manager at SOLMAX, you will own end-to-end category performance across seven manufacturing facilities, with full accountability for cost reduction, supplier performance, and commercial outcomes across all non-resin direct materials. Role will require an understanding of market forces, cost drivers and technological trends, in specific direct material categories, that affect short- and long-term material forecasts and strategies. Categories included are: Finished/Semi-Finished goods, Additives, Colorants, Woven and Non-Woven materials and Packaging. This role is designed for a high-performing, results-driven procurement leader with a proven ability to generate repeatable, measurable savings through strategic sourcing, negotiations, and supply market optimization

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced professional with direct knowledge of above listed categories, who can leverage their expertise in category management, negotiation, and knowledge of the geosynthetics market to optimize our supply chain and contribute to our continued success.

Key Responsibilities

• Category Management: Develop, execute, and continuously refine multi-year category strategies with quantified savings targets, cost driver transparency, and clear execution roadmaps tied to business objectives This role will manage the following categories: finished/semi-finished goods, woven and non-woven goods, additives/colorants, packaging.

• Supplier Management: Actively rationalize and manage the supplier base, challenging incumbents, introducing competition, and holding suppliers accountable to cost, service, and productivity commitments

• Negotiation: Lead negotiations to secure favorable pricing, terms, and service levels while ensuring compliance and performance standards Market Analysis: Continuously monitor industry and global trends, market conditions, and competitive landscape to make informed decisions and maintain a competitive edge.

• Cost Optimization: Implement cost reduction initiatives and value engineering programs to improve overall profitability and cost competitiveness.

• Risk Management: Proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks to ensure uninterrupted material availability and minimize disruptions.

• Quality Assurance: Collaborate with quality assurance teams to maintain and improve product quality and compliance with industry standards.

• Collaboration: Partner with production, engineering, R&D, and quality teams to support innovation, product development, and operational efficiency

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field

• minimum 5 years of direct category management experience, experience in the geotextile and geomembrane industry strongly preferred

• Proven track record of delivering significant cost savings through strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations. Strong understanding of global trade economics, commodity markets, and cost drivers.

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Advanced skills in Excel, Power BI, Tableau, and other Procurement analytics tools

• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

• A commitment to upholding ethical and professional standards.

• Experience in ERP platforms: Dynamics365, SAP or AS400