Category Manager

Role OverviewManage assigned categories of spend and strategic supplier relationships while developing and executing sourcing strategies that support Oil-Dris business objectives. Lead strategic sourcing contract negotiations cost reduction supplier performance supply continuity risk management and continuous improvement Category Manager serves as the Procurement subject matter expert for assigned categories and partners with Operations Planning Quality Engineering Finance and other functions to optimize cost quality service supply assurance and total cost of position is based at an active mine site and requires daily onsite presence. Work conditions may include uneven terrain climbing ladders navigating steps and exposure to varying weather conditions such as heat rain or - Friday onsite ResponsibilitiesResponsible for sourcing and management of annual spend of $40MM Responsible for assigned strategic categories and key supplier relationships Leads cross-functional initiatives and projects without direct authority No direct reportsCategory Strategy & Strategic SourcingDevelop and execute category strategies and sourcing plans aligned with company objectives. Conduct market supplier spend and competitive analysis to identify sourcing opportunities and risks. Lead strategic sourcing activities including RFI/RFQ/RFP development supplier evaluation negotiations selection implementation and ongoing management. Identify opportunities for supplier consolidation standardization specification optimization and competitive sourcing. Cost & Value ManagementDevelop and achieve annual cost reduction cost avoidance and productivity objectives. Analyze supplier pricing cost structures market conditions raw material trends freight payment terms and other cost drivers. Develop cost models and competitive benchmarks where appropriate. Track and report savings and cost avoidance in partnership with Relationship & Performance ManagementOwn strategic supplier relationships for assigned categories and serve as the primary Procurement contact. Establish and monitor supplier KPIs including cost quality delivery service capacity and responsiveness. Lead supplier business reviews and performance improvement initiatives. Develop strong strategic supplier relationships that encourage continuous improvement innovation and value creation. Lead supplier corrective actions and escalation activities when performance does not meet expectations. Supply Assurance & Risk ManagementIdentify and proactively manage supplier and category risks that could impact Oil-Dri operations. Develop contingency plans for critical and single-source materials and services. Identify opportunities for alternate suppliers dual sourcing and supply base optimization. Monitor market geopolitical transportation regulatory capacity and raw material risks. Contract & Commercial ManagementNegotiate and manage contracts pricing agreements rebates payment terms freight terms volume commitments and other commercial arrangements. Ensure pricing and contractual information is accurately maintained in applicable procurement and ERP systems. Monitor supplier compliance with contractual requirements and identify opportunities to improve commercial Improvement & ReportingPartner with Planning and Operations to optimize inventory levels lead times minimum order quantities safety stock and supplier capacity. Identify opportunities to reduce working capital and supply chain costs while maintaining service and supply reliability. Maintain current knowledge of assigned commodity markets supplier capabilities and industry trends. Ensure sourcing activities comply with Oil-Dri policies approval requirements contracts and internal controls. Promote ethical sourcing practices and maintain high standards of integrity and professionalism. Qualifications Education & Experience: 510 years of progressive experience in Procurement Strategic Sourcing Supply Chain Material Planning Operations or a related degree in Supply Chain Business Finance Engineering or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and relevant (s):CPSM CPIM CSCP or equivalent certification preferred; willingness to obtain certification & Abilities:Strategic sourcing and category management Supplier relationship and performance management Contract negotiation and commercial management Total Cost of Ownership and cost analysis Spend analysis and market intelligence Supply risk and business continuity Financial acumen and analytical skills Project management and cross-functional leadership Strong negotiation communication and presentation skills Ability to influence without direct authority Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills Proficiency in Microsoft Office particularly Excel and PowerPoint Experience with ERP/procurement systems preferred Key Performance IndicatorsPerformance will be measured through achievement of established objectives including:Cost savings and cost avoidance Total Cost of Ownership improvements Supplier quality and on-time delivery Supply continuity and risk mitigation Contract and pricing compliance Supplier performance improvement Inventory and working capital improvements Strategic sourcing project completion Stakeholder and supplier relationships Travel: Approximately 1015% with additional travel as needed for supplier visits plant visits negotiations business reviews and strategic sourcing & BenefitsCompetitive payannualbonus401(k)with6%companymatchPaidparentalleavegenerousPTO&&GymReimbursementEmployerContribution-HealthDentalAbout UsOil-Dri Corporation of America is a leading manufacturer and supplier of specialty sorbent products for consumer and business-to-business markets that has been voted as a Top 100 workplaces in the Chicago Tribune. Oil-Dris products are sold in the pet care animal health fluids purification agricultural sports field industrial and automotive markets. Oil-Dri controls millions of tons of specialty mineral reserves including calcium bentonite attapulgite and diatomaceous shale. The companys mines and manufacturing facilities are located in Georgia Mississippi Illinois and California. Oil-Dri is a family-controlled and operated organization that emphasizes honesty integrity and accountability. The company is dedicated to fulfilling its mission to Create Value From Sorbent -Dri is committed to providing equal opportunity for all teammates and qualified candidates without regard to race color creed religion sex age sexual orientation national origin ancestry citizenship marital status mental or physical disability veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws. Accordingly all employment decisions and personnel actions or programs such as hiring promotion discipline compensation benefits transfers reductions in workforce and training etc. will be consistent with the principle of equal employment opportunity.