Category Manager
Location: Blue Mountain, MS or Ochlocknee, GA.
Schedule
Onsite (Monday-Friday required). This 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 mud. Regular in-person attendance consistent with the Company's established work schedule is an essential function of this position to facilitate effective collaboration, communication, and business operations.
About the Role
Are you a strategic sourcing professional who enjoys solving complex supply challenges, negotiating value-driven agreements, and building strong supplier partnerships? We are looking for a Category Manager to lead strategic sourcing and procurement initiatives across key spend categories representing more than $40 million in annual spend. This role serves as the procurement subject matter expert for assigned categories and plays a critical role in driving cost savings, supplier performance, risk mitigation, and supply continuity. You'll partner closely with Operations, Planning, Quality, Engineering, Finance, and other business leaders to improve cost, quality, service, and Total Cost of Ownership while supporting the company's long-term growth objectives. This is an opportunity to lead high-impact initiatives, influence business decisions, and make a measurable impact without direct authority.
Responsibilities
- Own Strategic Categories: Develop and execute sourcing strategies for categories representing more than $40MM in annual spend.
- Lead Strategic Sourcing Events: Manage RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs from supplier identification through implementation.
- Drive Commercial Negotiations: Negotiate contracts, pricing, rebates, freight terms, payment terms, and volume commitments.
- Deliver Cost Improvements: Identify opportunities for cost reduction, cost avoidance, standardization, supplier