Category Manager (Raw and Direct Materials for Manufacturing)

Intermedia Group•Denver, CO

2d•$100,000 - $120,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Category Manager – Direct Materials is accountable for developing and executing sourcing strategies that optimize cost, quality, and supply continuity across operations. This role leads complex, multi‑facility sourcing initiatives; drives supplier performance and capability development; and partners closely with R&D, Product Management, and operations teams to deliver measurable business results.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree required.
Minimum 5 years of experience in supply chain or related experience, 3 of which should be experience sourcing with a major organization.
Must come from another manufacturing company where they are sourcing raw or direct materials.
Experience managing $20M in spend
Contract experience
Sourcing direct materials for a manufacturing company
Demonstrated experience with should‑cost modeling and cost‑analysis techniques.
Strong contract negotiation skills and working knowledge of contract development and contract law.
Working knowledge of commodity management principles and e‑sourcing tools.
Experience with SAP or similar ERP system; proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Proven ability to manage supplier relationships and lead cross‑functional projects to successful outcomes.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, including presenting to non‑technical audiences.
Strong analytical, strategic‑thinking, and problem‑solving abilities.
Proactive, collaborative approach with openness to feedback, mentoring, and continuous improvement.

Nice To Haves

CPSM certification desirable.

Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Category Performance Develop and execute data‑driven sourcing strategies for resale product categories to improve cost structure, mitigate risk, and enhance supplier value.
Build and maintain robust should‑cost models to guide negotiations, evaluate pricing proposals, and support long-term cost optimization.
Deliver year‑over-year cost savings through structured negotiations, supplier workshops, competitive bidding, value engineering, and supply‑base rationalization.
Monitor and report category performance using monthly scorecards, KPIs, and executive‑level updates.
Project & Supplier Management Lead multi‑functional project teams—spanning R&D, Product Management, Operations, Finance, and Quality—to qualify new suppliers, onboard new products, and support product innovation initiatives.
Drive supplier development programs to enhance supplier capabilities, improve quality, and ensure long-term alignment with business objectives.
Manage contracts across the resale category, ensuring compliance, performance tracking, and timely renewals.
Identify and implement process improvements that streamline supply chain operations and eliminate inefficiencies.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement Serve as the primary commercial interface for internal stakeholders across facilities, ensuring seamless communication, alignment, and timely issue resolution.
Partner with R&D and Product Managers to evaluate alternative materials, support new product development, and enable sustainable sourcing decisions.
Engage stakeholders at multiple levels of the organization to drive adoption of sourcing strategies, influence decision‑making, and ensure business continuity.
Risk Management & Supply Continuity Ensure uninterrupted supply of resale products to facilities by proactively identifying risks, developing contingency plans, and maintaining strong supplier relationships.
Conduct root‑cause analyses for supply disruptions and lead corrective‑action initiatives in partnership with suppliers and internal teams.